The days of inaccessible panto are behind us thanks to innovative, inclusive productions and refurbishments that are breathing new life into the nation’s favourite theatrical format
There’s nothing quite like the childlike wonder of a pantomime performance – the colourful outfits, the imaginative stage sets, and the boos, hisses and panto songs that have the whole audience joining in. “Panto does something special – it takes you back to being a child,” says Claire Swanson, Director of Creative Engagement at Capital Theatres Edinburgh.
SLAPSTICK MAGIC
Panto is an integral part of the British Christmas experience – from the Dame and the trusting sidekick, to the glorious choreography, slapstick moments, and in-jokes that only local people will get. But soaring ticket costs and inaccessible theatre venues leave many of us cut off from this magical form of festive entertainment. Thankfully, theatres across the country are working hard to improve access for disabled people. And, although Christmas may seem a while off, panto tickets always sell fast – so it’s worth doing your research now if you want to be part of the fun this winter.
Capital Theatres has just completed a three year refurbishment of the iconic King’s Theatre, Edinburgh. The changes mean that more people than ever will be able to access productions, including this winter’s panto offering – The Adventures of Pinocchio. With performances from 28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, the show’s run will include two audio described performances (with touch tours before the show, which enable visually impaired guests to familiarise themselves with the set and costumes before the action begins), two BSL performances, and a relaxed performance with fewer pyrotechnics, adjusted light and sound levels, and dip-out spaces.
TRULY DELIGHTFUL
But that’s not all The King’s is offering when it comes to access. Like many Edwardian venues across the country, The King’s wasn’t built with access in mind. “There were stairs for days, everywhere you looked,” gasps Claire. “It also didn’t have any lifts.” Improving access was key to the multimillion pound redevelopment, and the venue now boasts a step-free journey from street to seat and stage. With two front- of-house lifts, increased wheelchair spaces, new end of row seats with transfer arms, additional wider seats, accessible toilets on every floor, and even a Changing Places toilet that’s open to all, the transformation has been dramatic. Patrons can also access the social areas, with lowered spaces at bars making them more suitable for wheelchair users.
The changes will accommodate disabled actors and staff too, with the installation of a back-of-house lift, the replacement of the old raked stage with a fully level stage floor, and the addition of accessible dressing rooms. “The redevelopment of the theatre means it’s now genuinely a theatre that can include everybody,” explains Claire. “It’s a place where everybody can find something to be delighted by.”
Across the country, theatres are working hard to enable access. Why not head north to Aberdeen to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears at His Majesty’s Theatre? For five weeks, the venue will transform into a sensational circus packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair- raising stunts, and amazing circus acts. Or, for the star-studded West End experience, the London Palladium plays host to Cinderella, with French and Saunders as the Ugly Sisters, plus Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Dex Lee taking to the stage. As well as audio described and signed performances, there’ll be a Galapro captioned performance of Cinderella. The Galapro app enables guests to enjoy the show with subtitles, audio description and closed captioning, all in real-time.
For something a little different, head to Storyhouse in Chester for Rapunzel, running from 4 December to 3 January. This modern retelling promises big hair, pop hits, and the usual panto mischief. Better still, every performance is captioned, while dedicated performances include audio description with a touch tour, a relaxed performance, and a BSL-interpreted performance. The whole building is accessible by lift, with wheelchair access throughout, accessible toilets on every floor, and a Changing Places toilet. Assistance dogs are welcome, and hearing assistance is available. It sounds just the ticket!
PRICED OUT
The cost of theatre can be prohibitive for many, so it’s worth checking if any discounts are available for disabled people and carers. Many theatres offer a free ticket for essential carers – you may need a specific ID card for this, so check on the theatre’s individual website for details. At the recently refurbished Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, for example, deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people can sign up to the theatre’s Access Pass, which gives a 50% discount off ticket prices, plus a free ticket for your essential companion.
Don’t ignore smaller local productions either. Theatre companies across the land are putting on panto productions in school halls, community centres, village halls and even shopping centres. Ticket prices are often lower, production values can be just as high as more mainstream options, and you’ll be supporting homegrown talent and your local economy.
For many disabled people, having accessibility options at the theatre can make the difference between watching everyone else go to the panto and being part of the Christmas magic yourself. So, check out what’s on near you and speak to the box office to ensure they can accommodate your needs – that way, you can shout out “Oh no it isn’t!” with the rest of the audience, watch the villain get their comeuppance, and groan at the terrible panto jokes.