Ten of the Best - your guide to what to see around Notts in the days ahead
From panto magic to the stirring sounds of a male voice choir, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Saturday November 22 to New Year's Eve
It’s the fairest pantomime of all – and it’s taking to the stage in Mansfield. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises to be packed with everything audiences love about pantomime: a wicked stepmother, a poisoned apple, a magic mirror, sparkling dance numbers, glittering costumes and spectacular sets.
The show features an array of talent. Prince Fredrick is played by Joseph Dockree, who trained at The Royal Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts and has graced the West End stage in Mrs Doubtfire, Mary Poppins and Cabaret, as well as performing internationally in Beauty and the Beast in Paris and Dance of the Vampires in Berlin.
Emilie du Leslay enchants audiences as Snow White, bringing her radiant charm and outstanding vocals to the title role. A graduate of ArtsEd with credits including Starlight Express in Germany, Wind in the Willows in the West End and an international tour of Les Misérables, Emilie is no stranger to bringing fairytale heroines to life, having played Alice, Wendy and Princess Jasmine in previous pantomime seasons.
Joining them is an exceptional line-up of much-loved panto favourites and television stars. Katrina Bryan, adored by families nationwide from her appearances in CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons and Molly & Mack, takes a deliciously wicked turn as the Wicked Queen.
Mansfield favourite Ben Harlow returns by popular demand as Dame Dilly Donut, bringing his trademark warmth, humour and outrageous sense of fun, while Adam Moss is back as the irrepressible Muddles, guaranteeing his unique brand of comedy chaos. Completing the line-up are Snow White’s seven sensational dwarfs played by Hayley Burroughs, Denise Coppen, Willie Coppen, Emily Dyer, Simeon Dyer, Kieran DuMont and Ben Holmes.
Visit mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call 01623 463133 to book.
2 Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Nottingham, Friday November 28 to Sunday January 4
Craig Revel Horwood, panto comic Neil Hurst, and singer, actor, and impressionist Christina Bianco lead the star-studded cast for this year’s panto at the Theatre Royal. Craig Revel Horwood is a household name having appeared as a judge on all 22 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Craig has also appeared in many West End musicals including Miss Saigon and Crazy for You. Neil Hurst returns to the Theatre Royal after performing as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray! in November 2024. Best known for his TV roles in The Syndicate and Fresh Meat, Neil also co-hosted ITV’s All-Star Family Fortunes, starred in The ABC Murders for the BBC and has appeared in family favourites such as Coronation Street, All Creatures Great and Small and Casualty.
Following her standout performance as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in February, Christina Bianco returns to the Theatre Royal to play The Fairy Godmother in this year’s pantomime. A two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina Bianco is an internationally acclaimed performer, best known for her vocal versatility and captivating stage presence. Her West End credits include Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium and Ado Annie in Oklahoma! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. In New York, she played leading roles in Rent and Hello, Dolly!.
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.
Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.
3 Wollaton Hall Light Trail, Wednesday November 26 until New Year’s Eve
Families can embark on a glittering adventure on the new-look trail. Visitors are promised never-before-seen installations on a trail that lasts for almost a mile, with enchanting surprises at every turn.
There will also be a chance to warm up by the fire, toast marshmallows, and sip mulled wine or hot chocolate, with delicious food available from local independent vendors. For those who want to end the evening in style, there is an Alpine-inspired private chalet for eight to ten people. Visit www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/wollaton to book or for more information.
4 Light Post Farm, White Post Farm, Newark, until Tuesday December 23
One of the East Midlands’ most magical festive experiences returns with a new after-dark Christmas trail, bringing together the team behind the region’s biggest family festival, Gloworm, with the award-winning White Post Farm. The trail has been completely redesigned, weaving in new features including a revamped pond and pier, as well as introducing special dog-friendly evenings for the very first time. Following the positive reception from families at its launch last year, the illuminated trail promises even more festive sparkle, enchanting installations, and plenty of chances to see the farm favourites in a whole new light. The fields of Farnsfield will once again be transformed by more than 250,000 sparkling lights, casting the farm in a dazzling new glow. Visitors are promised imaginative displays and plenty of picture-perfect moments along the kilometre-long trail.
Visit www.gigantic.com/light-post-farm-tickets to book.
5 Sleeping Beauty, Nottingham Playhouse, Friday November 28 to Saturday January 17
Outraged at not being invited to the Princess’s party, the evil Maleficent casts a spell that sends the Princess and her whole kingdom into a deep sleep, when she pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel. As they snooze, a tangled forest springs up around them. Only one thing can break the curse – the magic of true love. Enter our Prince, who must battle through the thorns, and work with the Princess to defeat the wicked fairy. The magical extravaganza is packed with Notts talent, with much-loved dame John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny. Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call 0115 941 9419 to book.
6 Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert, The Hill Methodist Church, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Saturday December 6, 7pm
Concert-goers can expect a mixture of traditional carols and some foot-tapping family favorites from the choir under the direction of Ian Grice, accompanied by Maureen Lockwood on the piano. Choir spokesman Geoff Mansfield said: “This venerable church has a wonderfully welcoming congregation, and they always make everyone feel like a part of their celebrations – no doubt our Christmas concert will be a special occasion.
"Although we have enjoyed previous performances in this church, it is the first time the choir has held a Christmas Concert here.”
Tickets cost £10. Call 07807 602435 or 01623 455373 to book.
7 Home Alone in Concert, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, Friday December 5, 7pm
sees the beloved comedy classic with John Williams’ much-loved score performed live by the International Film Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for their Christmas holiday, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. The film, rated PG, was nominated for two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.
8 The Lost Present, Mansfield Museum, Saturday December 6 to Friday December 12
It’s Christmas Eve, and having tumbled to earth through the night sky, Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend – a little girl she hasn’t even met yet. Has the lost present got what it takes to find her way through the cold winter night? Written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling, The Lost Present is an enchanting tale about true friendship. Visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum or call 01623 463088.
9 That'll Be Christmas, Majestic Theatre, Retford, Saturday December 6
Prepare for a rockin’ Christmas as That’ll Be Christmas takes audiences on a sleigh ride through classic festive hits, including Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, Step into Christmas, Last Christmas and many more. The show is also sprinkled with comedy sketches for the whole family to enjoy.
10 The Little Mermaid, Nottingham Playhouse, Thursday December 4 to Saturday January 3
Families can dive into a world of magic and music with The Little Mermaid. Based on the classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, the show tells of a mermaid who dreams of a life on the land but finds herself out of her depth when her dreams finally come true. It has been especially created for children aged three to eight. Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call 0115 941 9419 to book.