by Katie Thompson
What’s the festive season without a Christmas performance? Whether you love to get lost in the seasonal score of a classic ballet or you can’t wait to get involved with a laugh-out-loud pantomime, Norwich has plenty of performances on offer this Christmas.
And Christmas shows are for absolutely everyone, right? Maybe wheelchair access is a high priority, or you want a show that’s captioned, signed or relaxed- there’s loads to get you into the festive spirit! So, if you’re searching for a show suited to your needs, here’s a list of amazing accessible performances this Christmas.
Accessibility in Norwich | Accessibility in Norfolk
This year’s Norwich Theatre panto is all-time classic Cinderella!
//Captioned: Friday 12 December, 7.30pm & Tuesday 30 December, 1pm
//Audio Described & Touch Tour: Sunday 14 December, 1pm & Saturday 27 December, 7.30pm
//BSL Interpreted: Friday 19 December, 7.30pm & Tuesday 30 December, 1pm
//Sensory Adapted: Monday 29 December, 6pm
//Relaxed: Friday 2 January, 5pm
//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
No Christmas is complete without a trip to the panto. Oh, no it isn’t! And we’re always guaranteed fairytale fun at Norwich Theatre Royal. This year, they’re heading to the beach with Cinderella! Will Cinders and her best friend Buttons meet Prince Charming and escape her wicked sisters? You’ll have to see it to find out!
And there are plenty of accessible performances, both before and after Christmas Day, including adapted performances with reduced sound and softened lighting.
Norwich Theatre itself offers step-free access, accessible lifts and toilets, and free essential companion tickets. You can also join their free My Theatre Accessibility Scheme for a stress-free experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment, for both physical and mental disabilities- find more details on their website.
The Garage’s My First Panto returns with Rapunzel!
//Suitable for under 7s and their families
//Book online.
After a hiatus, The Garage’s much-loved interactive My First Panto is back! Designed especially for early years audiences, join Rapunzel in her adventures with a silly prince and his fluffy friend and enjoy the original score by three actor-musicians.
The Garage is great for families, with a buggy park and relaxed production- including interactive play, special lighting and sensory elements- allowing you to enjoy it to the full! For d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent theatregoers, their Access Scheme offers an impeccable service for any accessibility requirements.
The acclaimed The Cat in the Hat is a fantastic family friendly performance
//Ideal first theatre experience for ages 3+
//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
The acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss classic The Cat in the Hat comes to the Playhouse this Christmas. Join Sally and her brother as a rainy afternoon is transformed into a mischievous adventure, led by the eponymous cat in his tall, red-and-white-striped hat!
Step-free access (to row G) and platform lifts (to rows R & T) are available at the Playhouse, alongside accessible and gender-neutral toilets. As part of Norwich Theatre, you can join the free My Theatre Accessibility Scheme for a stress-free experience for a range of physical and mental abilities.
What’s better than a panto? A puppet panto, of course! Oh, yes, it is!
//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 629 921.
Take off on a magic carpet ride at Norwich Puppet Theatre with their festive puppet pantomime of Aladdin! Follow Aladdin the kind-hearted street mouse as he unlocks the hilarious and unpredictable power of Genie and sets off on a journey to defeat Jafar and win the heart of Princess Jasmine.
The front row of the auditorium offers accessible seating- pre-book these seats to secure your front-row view! Norwich Puppet Theatre also offers accessible toilets, level access and a reduced rate for carers.
Fancy something different? Head to the Maddermarket for swashbuckling tale Treasure Island
//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 620 917.
Join the Maddermarket Theatre for a swashbuckling show of Treasure Island! Ideal for those who love a Christmas production but not so much a panto, be immersed in the world of Robert Louis Stevenson where pirates, sword fights and buried treasure are the norm.
The Maddermarket’s auditorium offers wheelchair accessible spaces, as well as the adjacent seats free of charge to accompanying carers. There is also a hearing loop in place, and the Front of House team are available to assist throughout.
A beautiful ballet and a classic tale on the big screen is a feast for the eyes
//Dedicated accessibility line on 02072 947 908
//Book online or call the Box Office on 08719 025 747.
At Cinema City, wonder at whimsical wintry performances on the big screen. Be transported into a wonderful world of pumpkin carriages and fairy godmothers in Cinderella (1 December), before marvelling at the magical Land of Sweets in The Nutcracker (10 December). Both live recordings are full of fantastical costumes, gorgeous sets and, of course, captivating dance.
Cinema City is accessible from street level, with accessible lifts and toilets and a lowered Box Office counter. All screens are full accessible with dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Now in it’s 48th year, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular attracts audiences from all over for a reason!
//Book via the Box Office on 01328 878 477.
For an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza, look no further than the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! This incredible spectacle will take your breath away. Here, you can expect jaw-dropping variety acts, comedy that’ll have you chuckling away and spine-tingling music from a 32-piece orchestra. Oh, and you might recognise a Christmas tune or two!
Thursford has great accessibility for all, including level access throughout, wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets and an essential companion discount (with a Nimbus Disability Access card). Plus, your furry friend can join in the fun (please inform the Box Office beforehand!)
Cromer Pier Christmas Show is part of the only full end-of-the-pier show in the world!
//Book online or call the Box Office on 01263 512495.
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is back for another spellbinding year and it’s sure to get you in the spirit. Think fantastic comedy, dazzling dance routines and amazing variety acts, as well as a jaw-dropping 8-metre video wall! And it’s part of the only full season end of pier show in the world!
Cromer Pier and its theatre are easily accessible for wheelchairs and those needing assistance, including a designated area for wheelchairs in the auditorium and accessible toilets. Plus, guide dogs are welcome and hearing loops. All are available to prebook via phone.
Head beyond the traditional theatre setting to experience this exciting collaboration
//Book online.
A festive first, Norwich Theatre and ROARR! have joined forces for Festive Forest Fables – A Cinderella Illuminated Fairytale. Located at ROARR!, wander through an illuminated woodland wonderland filled with glittering lights, theatrical elements and magical surprises, meeting characters and discovering larger-than-life props!
ROARR! is a wonderfully accessible attraction, with a Changing Places toilet, step-free access, ear defenders, scoots and wheelchairs available to hire. Check out their detailed accessibility guide for even more information.
