Oh yes it is! Panto season is nearly here, and this Christmas the streets of Port Sunlight are paved with gold as Dick Whittington arrives at the Gladstone Theatre from Saturday 5 to Thursday 31 December 2026.
If you’re looking for a proper family Christmas treat that’s a little different from the big city centre shows, hop across the water to the Wirral. North West pantomime company Dreamworld Entertainments is back at the Gladstone Theatre with a brand-new production of one of the best-loved panto stories of them all, and with a cast full of familiar faces, it’s shaping up to be one of the festive highlights of the season.
What is Dick Whittington about?
Dick Whittington is the classic rags-to-riches panto adventure. Young Dick sets off for London with nothing but a knapsack and his faithful cat, convinced the city’s streets are paved with gold. Along the way he finds friendship, falls for Alice Fitzwarren and comes up against the villainous King Rat, who has his own plans for London.
Expect everything you want from a traditional pantomime: a larger-than-life dame, a baddie to boo, a fairy to cheer, big song and dance numbers, sparkling costumes, plenty of slapstick and lots of chances for the audience to shout along. It’s billed as “the panto paved with gold”, and it’s made for all ages, from first-time theatregoers to grandparents.
When is Dick Whittington on at the Gladstone Theatre?
The show runs from Saturday 5 December to Thursday 31 December 2026, with a mix of matinee and evening performances that make it easy to fit around school, work and Christmas plans.
- Opening weekend: Saturday 5 December (1.30pm and 6pm) and Sunday 6 December (1.30pm and 6.30pm)
- Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December: Friday 6.30pm, Saturday 1.30pm and 6pm, Sunday 1pm and 5.30pm
- Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 December: Thursday and Friday 6.30pm, Saturday 1.30pm and 6pm, Sunday 1pm and 5.30pm
- Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December: 1.30pm and 6pm daily
- Christmas Eve: 12pm and 4pm
- Boxing Day: 1pm
- Sunday 27 December: 1pm and 5.30pm
- Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 December: 1.30pm and 6.30pm daily
- New Year’s Eve: 12pm and 4pm
Doors open 45 minutes before each performance. Times can change, so check the Gladstone Theatre website before you book.
Who’s in the cast?
- Darren John Langford as King Rat. The Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actor is back as the baddie after previous Gladstone Theatre pantos including Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast.
- Lewis Pryor as Dick Whittington. A Gladstone favourite, Lewis reached the Britain’s Got Talent final with dance troupe Boogie Storm and has previously starred here in Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Cinderella.
- Michael Chapman as Sarah the Cook. Every panto needs a dame, and Michael returns to cause chaos in the kitchen.
- Michael Alan Bailey as Pie-man Simon. Back by popular demand to lead the silliness and get the audience joining in.
- Emily Payne as Alice Fitzwarren. Emily makes her professional debut in the role.
- Sarah Craig as Fairy Bowbells. The good fairy keeping Dick on the right path.
Tickets are on sale now through the Gladstone Theatre.
- Online: gladstonetheatre.org.uk/events/dick-whittington
- Box office: 0151 643 8757
- Prices: at the time of writing, standard tickets are £23.50, concessions £19.50 and a family ticket (four tickets) is £74, plus booking fees
Weekend matinees and the dates closest to Christmas tend to go first, so it’s worth booking early if you have a particular day in mind.
Why you should go
- It’s a proper traditional panto. Boos, cheers, “he’s behind you” and a dame in outrageous frocks. Exactly what Christmas calls for.
- Great value for families. The family ticket makes it one of the more affordable festive days out in the region.
- A cast audiences already love. Several of the company return year after year, and that rapport with the crowd shows.
- A lovely, intimate theatre. You’re close to the action wherever you sit, which is ideal for little ones.
- Make a day of it. Port Sunlight is one of the prettiest villages in the North West, and it’s especially lovely at Christmas. Pair the panto with a wander round the village and a bite to eat.
About Dreamworld Entertainments
Dreamworld Entertainments is a North West pantomime company that has been producing pantos at the Gladstone Theatre for more than 10 years. Recent productions include last Christmas’s Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk at Easter, and Dick Whittington continues that run of big, colourful family shows. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Gladstone Theatre
The Gladstone Theatre is an independent charitable trust theatre in the heart of Port Sunlight village on the Wirral, known for its warm, friendly atmosphere. Its year-round programme takes in drama, comedy, music, pantomime and community productions.
- Address: Gladstone Theatre, Greendale Road, Port Sunlight, Wirral, CH62 4XB
- Website: gladstonetheatre.org.uk
- Facebook: /gladstonetheatre
- Instagram: /gladstone_theatre
- TikTok: @gladstonetheatre
Coming from Liverpool? Port Sunlight is on Merseyrail’s Wirral Line, so you can leave the car at home.
Dick Whittington is at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, from Saturday 5 to Thursday 31 December 2026. Book your tickets here.