Panto season may be over for many, but for some theatres, it's just getting started. The Christmas decorations have been packed away, the kids are back in school, and new year resolutions are already forgotten – a full month into January and still no let-up on the pantomime front.
In Liverpool, at the Royal Court theatre, The Scouse Christmas Carol is running until 24 January, with an astonishingly long run that defies traditional panto wisdom. It was originally due to close last weekend, but demand proved so high that it's been extended for another two weeks. "For most people, pantomime is about leading up to Christmas," says the theatre's executive producer, Kevin Fearon, "but we've got a show that's perfect for January – a chance to lift your spirits and come together with family and friends."
Nottingham Playhouse, meanwhile, has its own panto running in Sleeping Beauty, which ends just before Blue Monday. John Elkington plays Nelly the Nanny in the show, and he says it's a lifeline for audiences who've been cooped up at home after Christmas. "It feels like an extension of the fun," he explains. "Our audiences are very loyal and supportive – they're there to keep the energy going, not let it slip."
But how does pantomime fare in January? Fearon says that audiences do thin out a bit, but demand remains high for shows with the added bonus of meal service at the theatre. And while traditional Christmas tunes might be swapped for other numbers, the Royal Court's take on A Christmas Carol is an exception – no changes there.
Then there's Brick Lane Music Hall in London, which has taken on a January-to-March panto run with Jack and His Giant Stalk. "It's become its own tradition," says Lucy Hayes, who wrote and directed the show. For many people, pantomime is about anticipating the holidays – but this show offers a chance to lift spirits when they're needed most.
Brick Lane Music Hall has made its own market with an early January-to-March panto run. "It's a fun idea," says Hayes with a laugh. And audiences seem to be eating it up, drawn in by the promise of food before the show and the chance to kick off the new year on a high.
Whether you're at the Royal Court or Brick Lane Music Hall, one thing's for sure: panto season has just gotten a whole lot longer.
In Liverpool, at the Royal Court theatre, The Scouse Christmas Carol is running until 24 January, with an astonishingly long run that defies traditional panto wisdom. It was originally due to close last weekend, but demand proved so high that it's been extended for another two weeks. "For most people, pantomime is about leading up to Christmas," says the theatre's executive producer, Kevin Fearon, "but we've got a show that's perfect for January – a chance to lift your spirits and come together with family and friends."
Nottingham Playhouse, meanwhile, has its own panto running in Sleeping Beauty, which ends just before Blue Monday. John Elkington plays Nelly the Nanny in the show, and he says it's a lifeline for audiences who've been cooped up at home after Christmas. "It feels like an extension of the fun," he explains. "Our audiences are very loyal and supportive – they're there to keep the energy going, not let it slip."
But how does pantomime fare in January? Fearon says that audiences do thin out a bit, but demand remains high for shows with the added bonus of meal service at the theatre. And while traditional Christmas tunes might be swapped for other numbers, the Royal Court's take on A Christmas Carol is an exception – no changes there.
Then there's Brick Lane Music Hall in London, which has taken on a January-to-March panto run with Jack and His Giant Stalk. "It's become its own tradition," says Lucy Hayes, who wrote and directed the show. For many people, pantomime is about anticipating the holidays – but this show offers a chance to lift spirits when they're needed most.
Brick Lane Music Hall has made its own market with an early January-to-March panto run. "It's a fun idea," says Hayes with a laugh. And audiences seem to be eating it up, drawn in by the promise of food before the show and the chance to kick off the new year on a high.
Whether you're at the Royal Court or Brick Lane Music Hall, one thing's for sure: panto season has just gotten a whole lot longer.
. And it's nice to see theatres finding ways to stay afloat, especially during the post-Christmas slump. Meal service at the theatre is definitely a bonus – who doesn't love a good pre-show meal? It's all about giving people something to look forward to, and that's what these pantos are doing. Bring on the new year, I say! 
I've been feeling so down since christmas and my friend dragged me to see it and OMG it lifted my spirits so much 
after the show we had food at the theatre cafe and even got some to go for later 
It's like we're saying, "Hey, let's pack the theatre with people and make them forget about their stress and anxiety for two hours." Meanwhile, our education system is still struggling to provide adequate support for students. I think this is a classic case of prioritizing short-term fun over long-term benefits.
And yet, at the same time, these shows are also about escapism – we get to leave our problems behind for a few hours and just enjoy ourselves. It's like this weird paradox where panto is both a celebration of community and a escape from it.
" and honestly, i think that's a genius move. who says panto has to be just for christmas? it's time to make panto a year round thing 
. I mean, who needs live entertainment when you can have a free buffet? The fun's already over and now they're trying to milk it for all it's worth 
. And what about the quality of these shows? Is it just a bunch of formulaic nonsense or are there some hidden gems out there? 
️ but apparently some theatres are keeping it going till march 
like why not right? im so down for a panto fix especially one with meal service at the theatre because let's be real who doesn't love food and show 
i was at brick lane music hall last month for jack and his giant stalk and it was SO much fun i loved how they made it their own tradition instead of just copying the usual christmas tunes 
. At least they offer meal service, right? That's gotta count for something... or not 
.