Festive fun will be back at the Thameside Theatre this year with the return of the ever popular panto.
This year the fun packed performance will be family favourite Rapunzel, which runs from 29 November until 31 December. Tickets are on sale now at thurrock.gov.uk/thameside
In a first for the Thameside the panto is being co-produced by the Theatre’s in house team and Polka Dot productions, who have produced pantos in Thurrock for the last decade. The new arrangement will combine the panto skills of Polka Dot with the local knowledge of Thameside’s staff to put on a show they know local people are going to love and which makes the best use of the venue.
It will see Thurrock’s favourite pantomime dame, Luke Coldham, returning as Betty Bouffant. Also returning from last year is Sam Ward Smith – an audience favourite who played Captain Hook last year and is coming back as the hapless King Crumble for 2026.
Cllr George Monk, Cabinet Member for Deregulation, Civic Pride and Heritage, said: “The Thameside Panto is always hugely popular, and for good reason as Christmas would not be complete without it. It is an extremely fun experience for all the family.
“This year will be no exception, and we expect that tickets will sell out fast, so make sure to get booking quickly so you and your family can start your Christmas fun at the Thameside Theatre Christmas Panto.
“This year promises to be better than ever as Thameside’s staff take over half the helm to make sure we have a show that is truly unforgettable.”
Darren Maddison, Company Director of Polka Dot Pantomimes, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to co-produce this year’s pantomime and are eager to begin working with the Thameside Theatre team.
“This new dynamic will still retain all the best elements of previous pantomimes but the joint collaboration allows us to integrate fresh ideas and explore new ways of working. We are delighted to be equal partners and have always championed the Thameside team having more input artistically and logistically. We look forward to this exciting new era of family pantomime at the Thameside Theatre.”
As well as the main performances there will three relaxed performances, for people who might find the noise and lights of the main performance over whelming, four more risqué adult performances, and a British Sign Language performance.
Tickets for all Thameside shows are available through the theatre’s online box office: thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows.
