Dorset has a number of fantastic theatres and venues in Dorset and through the year you can expect to find a whole host of family shows which include our children’s favourite characters, dinosaurs, science, bubbles, pirates and princesses, and much more!
To see what’s on near you, please see our list below.
• NOVEMBER •
THE GOOSE AND MRS FROST
Info: Mrs Holly Frost lives with her goose keeping an eye on the world below. When she bakes the sun shines, when she hangs up her washing it rains and when she shakes out her bedding soft feathery snowflakes fall, covering the earth in a blanket of snow. A gentle story of intergenerational friendship full of live action and puppetry combined with beautifully illustrated paper theatre to tell a heart-warming story about the changes in the seasons, working together to make amends and the transformative power of kindness.
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Website: The Mowlem
LITTLE ROBIN RED VEST
Info: One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left. That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest. This brand-new adaptation is aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, the playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.
Dates: Saturday 22nd November – Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
• DECEMBER •
CINDERELLA PANTOMIME
Info: You shall go to the ball! Get ready for our brand new panto at the Bournemouth Pavilion, Cinderella! Noel Brodie will return for his 11th year in panto as Buttons.
Dates: Saturday 6th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion
SANTA AND THE PIRATES (THAT DON’T WANT CHRISTMAS)
Info: Father Christmas has a problem – somebody has robbed his reindeers, they’ve nicked his naughty list AND they’ve ‘elped themselves to his elves! When some very naughty pirates head to the North Pole and pinch the plunder of the century, is Christmas about to be cancelled? With pieces of eight at stake, a stolen red nose – and Santa all at sea – will Christmas be able to go ahead at all? You will have to join him to find out in an action-packed family show.
Date: Sunday 7th December 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Website: The Mowlem
DICK WHITTINGTON PANTOMIME
Info: Once again CBeebies’ favourite Chris Jarvis is back to write and direct a joyfully funny script that tells this magical rags to riches tale. This year’s show will be brimming with dazzling costumes, stunning scenery and a dose of feline flavour.
Date: Thursday 11th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PANTO
Info: Santa is back in town with a brand new show. This is a fantastic Christmas treat for all the family, providing laughs aloud, songs, dance and much, much more. Suitable for children of all ages. Free ice cream for every child in the interval and a chance to meet Father Christmas himself after the show.
Dates: Friday 12th – Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Info: Suitable for the whole family, the show features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, toe tapping tunes and plenty of audience participation, as well as real panto pooches!
Dates: Saturday 13th - Sunday 28th December 2025
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Website: The Regent
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Info: Goldilocks and the Three Bears takes centre stage in this all-new, action-packed panto production, where the classic tale is brought to life with a twist of circus magic! Follow the curious and adventurous Goldilocks as she stumbles upon the cozy home of The Three Bears – but that’s just the beginning… Enter the dazzling world of Dame Betty Barnum, the ringmaster extraordinaire, Joey the Clown and a whole host of hilarious characters who will have you rolling in the aisles and shouting for more!
Dates: Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Website: The Tivoli Theatre
ELF: THE MUSICAL
Info: This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the arena with unforgettable scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, all set against breath-taking video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen.
Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
Website: Bournemouth International Centre
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Info: Join the cast this Christmas in the land of fairy tales, where the poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at Silly Simon, boo and hiss the wicked Fleshcreep and cheer-on the hero Jack as he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the Giant‘s castle in the clouds. Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and plenty of laughter for all the family.
Dates: Friday 19th December 2025 – Saturday 3rd January 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
SANTA LIVE!
Info: Get ready this Christmas as Darling Productions UK brings you Bridport’s brand-new festive extravaganza… SANTA LIVE! Disaster strikes in Christmas town when the Christmas spirit runs out and all the children’s names have mysteriously vanished from Santa’s naughty and nice list. Join the cheeky elves Tinsel, Snowflake, and Candy as they try to help Santa save Christmas with the power of song and dance. This hour-long interactive show is perfect for the whole family and will get everyone singing and dancing along.
Dates: Saturday 20th – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Website: Electric Palace
Please note that some performance dates or times may change. Check back for more shows being added through the year. If you know of a great show we’ve missed then please do Contact Us.
Need more ideas for things to do in Dorset with the kids?
Attractions & Places to go
Soft Plays & Play Cafes
Car Boot Sales
Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Free or low cost things to do in Dorset with kids
Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset
Pubs with Play Parks
Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting beforehand to check an event is running.
