Theatre Royal Winchester is set to welcome audiences to its traditional family pantomime, Puss in Boots, which commences on Saturday 29 November and runs until Sunday 4 January.
Over the next two weeks, the cast will meet to rehearse their lines including plenty of corny cat jokes and songs, while the community ensemble will learn a series of dance routines.
The stage will be painted and a number of vibrant sets and backdrops constructed and hung. The technical team will perfect the show’s lighting and sound, while the pantomime’s live band and actor musicians will learn the original music composed for the show.
The front of house team will ready the foyers to welcome audiences of all ages to the show – with well-lit decorated Christmas trees already in place to bring festive cheer to the venue, and backstage, finishing touches will be made to costumes and props ready for showtime!
The theatre will also welcome special guests to enjoy the show, including the panto’s supporter, Paris Smith – with several of the regional law firm’s partners already acquainted with a number of the cast after visiting the theatre in October – when the cast and writer director shared the story of Puss in Boots, plus, what they were looking forward to.
While Julian Eardley and Liam Watson – who reunite in Puss in Boots after playing opposite each other as Mother Goose and Jack Goose last year – warmed up the crowds and helped Winchester ring in the festive season with the city’s annual Christmas lights switch on.
Preparations are in full swing for the start of panto season, audiences only need to make sure that they’ve booked their tickets – with best availability and the cheapest tickets at the beginning of the run, in early December.
Puss in Boots tells the story of Colin, the poor Miller’s son, who has no chance of impressing the beautiful princess until his faithful cat, Puss, proves to be no ordinary feline by turning him from zero to hero where their adventures begin.
Theatre Royal Winchester’s annual pantomime is suitable for families and is packed with original songs, corny jokes, live music and plenty of audience participation. It has been written and directed by Robin Belfield, with music by Simon Slater.
There will be a number of accessible performances of Puss in Boots available, including relaxed, audio-described and BSL-interpreted; plus, the option to livestream at home – ensuring that all audiences can enjoy the show in an environment right for them.
Puss in Boots will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Saturday 29 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 at various times. For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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