Despite the festive season being all but over for many of us, panto fans in the North West are still getting their fix of slapstick comedy and cheesy jokes. The Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool is extending its run of "The Scouse Christmas Carol" until 24 January, while Nottingham Playhouse's "Sleeping Beauty" will close just before Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
For audiences who are eager to shake off the post-holiday blues, panto can be a welcome distraction. Not only does it offer a chance to escape into a world of fantasy and entertainment, but it also provides a sense of community and tradition. As John Elkington, Nottingham Playhouse's dame for almost 30 years, notes, "it's something to look forward to" – a final treat after Christmas.
The Royal Court Theatre's panto is particularly popular among families who are eager to enjoy a night out together before the new year gets underway. Executive producer Kevin Fearon explains that audiences often struggle to secure tickets for December performances, so January is seen as an opportunity to catch a show without the usual holiday chaos.
Brick Lane Music Hall in east London, on the other hand, has opted to open its panto in January, which has proven to be a bold move. The venue's "Jack and His Giant Stalk" runs until 7 March, offering a pantomime experience for adults that is both fun and silly, without any of the festive frills. According to director Lucy Hayes, the show has become its own tradition, and audiences flock to it as a way to lift their spirits during the darker months.
For many panto fans, the idea of seeing a show in January may seem counterintuitive – isn't that time for curling up with a cup of tea and watching a rom-com? However, for those who are looking for a pick-me-up or just something to do on a Tuesday evening, panto can be a welcome respite from the gloom. And as Fearon notes, "it's our perfect show of the year" – capturing the essence of great entertainment and atmosphere that defines the Royal Court Theatre.
Whether you're in Liverpool, Nottingham, or London, there are still plenty of pantos to enjoy this January. So why not treat yourself to a night out at the theatre? You never know what laughter, excitement, and joy it might bring into your life – especially on those days when the blues seem to be getting the better of you.
For audiences who are eager to shake off the post-holiday blues, panto can be a welcome distraction. Not only does it offer a chance to escape into a world of fantasy and entertainment, but it also provides a sense of community and tradition. As John Elkington, Nottingham Playhouse's dame for almost 30 years, notes, "it's something to look forward to" – a final treat after Christmas.
The Royal Court Theatre's panto is particularly popular among families who are eager to enjoy a night out together before the new year gets underway. Executive producer Kevin Fearon explains that audiences often struggle to secure tickets for December performances, so January is seen as an opportunity to catch a show without the usual holiday chaos.
Brick Lane Music Hall in east London, on the other hand, has opted to open its panto in January, which has proven to be a bold move. The venue's "Jack and His Giant Stalk" runs until 7 March, offering a pantomime experience for adults that is both fun and silly, without any of the festive frills. According to director Lucy Hayes, the show has become its own tradition, and audiences flock to it as a way to lift their spirits during the darker months.
For many panto fans, the idea of seeing a show in January may seem counterintuitive – isn't that time for curling up with a cup of tea and watching a rom-com? However, for those who are looking for a pick-me-up or just something to do on a Tuesday evening, panto can be a welcome respite from the gloom. And as Fearon notes, "it's our perfect show of the year" – capturing the essence of great entertainment and atmosphere that defines the Royal Court Theatre.
Whether you're in Liverpool, Nottingham, or London, there are still plenty of pantos to enjoy this January. So why not treat yourself to a night out at the theatre? You never know what laughter, excitement, and joy it might bring into your life – especially on those days when the blues seem to be getting the better of you.
I'm all for panto season, even in January. It's like they say, a bit of slapstick comedy is just what the doctor ordered to shake off the post-holiday blues 
. And let's be real, it's not every day you get to see a dame strutting their stuff on stage 
. The Royal Court Theatre's decision to extend its run is genius – people are dying to get their panto fix without the chaos of December performances 
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the fact that brick lane music hall is doing one in january tho is just genius - liftin ur spirits on tue nitez must be some sorta dark magic 
. Panto's all about escapism and community, which is exactly what we need during those tough months. Plus, who says you can't have fun in January? It's like a big ol' reset button for our moods 
. The idea of a January pantomime run feels like a breath of fresh air, especially for those looking to shake off the post-holiday blues 
️. It's great to see theatres offering something new and fun during this time 
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. And then there's Brick Lane Music Hall opening its panto in January, which is basically a clever marketing ploy to capitalize on people's low spirits 
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. It's like they're trying to distract us from something... or someone 
. Mark my words, there's more to this panto phenomenon than meets the eye 
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. I mean, who comes up with this stuff? It's like they're trying to control what we watch and when 
. So yeah, let's not fall for it, folks 
. There's something fishy going on here... 
especially if you're having one of those "ugh im so depressed" days, panto is just the thing to lift your spirits.
It's like a breath of fresh air after the holiday chaos. Panto is just what we need to shake off those post-holiday blues, and it's even more special when done right 
. The Royal Court Theatre's "Scouse Christmas Carol" and Brick Lane Music Hall's "Jack and His Giant Stalk" are proving that panto can be enjoyed by all ages, not just the little ones 
. Plus, who says we can't have fun on a Tuesday evening? 
Let's give these shows a try and make January a bit more festive! 
. For those feeling down, panto can be just what the doctor ordered – a fun distraction from the gloom and a chance to connect with others in a shared experience 
. And honestly, who needs rom-coms when you have over-the-top costumes and silly jokes? 
. Can't they just let the shows end already? It's January, for crying out loud! I don't know about anyone else but some nights are made to stay indoors with a hot cuppa and watch rom-coms 
. Panto just seems like a chore now...
I've heard "The Scouse Christmas Carol" is pretty lit at The Royal Court Theatre, I should def check it out 
. I mean, who wouldn't want a good dose of slapstick comedy and cheesy jokes to shake off those holiday blues? It's like the theatre equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt 
. And let's be real, it's not just about the kids - adults are totally down for some quality pantomime fun too 
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it's all about shaking off the post-holiday blues and finding something to get excited about again. and let's be real, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned slapstick comedy session with some cheesy jokes 
The fact that some theaters are opening their pantos in January shows just how much people want to keep the festive spirit going 
. So, if you're feeling down or just need a fun night out, grab your friends and get to the theater – I promise it'll be worth it 
I mean, who needs self-improvement when you can just have a good ol' fashioned panto night out? It's like the theatre world is saying "screw the blues" and throwing us a Christmas party in January 
. Still, if a silly show can bring some cheer into our lives, who am I to argue? Give me a good laugh and a bad joke any day over a rom-com