Well my loves, I’ve barely finished dusting the tinsel out of my satchel and already the post has brought me a proper festive treat. This year’s pantomime at the People’s Theatre is none other than The Wizard of Oz — and let me tell you, it’s set to be a wicked and wonderful knees-up down the yellow brick road.
From Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 December 2025, Heaton gets its very own Kansas moment as poor Dorothy dreams of something more than her little farm life. But careful what you wish for, eh? One whopper of a twister later and she’s whizzed off (with faithful pooch Toto clinging on) into the magical land of Oz. That’s what you call a Christmas getaway package.
Glinda the Good, all sparkle and shimmer, sends Dorothy off skipping along the famous yellow brick road to track down the Wizard — because apparently only he can sort out this little “dropped house from the sky” kerfuffle. But of course it wouldn’t be panto without a baddie on the chase, and the Wicked Witch of the West is already sharpening her broomstick. You just know she’s got a cackle that’ll shake the Main Stage rafters.
Luckily Dorothy won’t be wandering alone. She teams up with a straw-brained Scarecrow, a heart-hungry Tin Man, and a Lion who’s more cowardly than my neighbour’s cat when the bin lorry rumbles past. Together, they’ll face flying monkeys, magical mishaps, and more “he’s behind you!” moments than you can shake a ruby slipper at.
And let’s be honest — half the fun of panto is the glorious chaos. Expect the jokes to be cheeky, the costumes to sparkle brighter than your Christmas tree lights, and the audience participation to be full-throttle. (I recommend vocal warm-ups before curtain up — you’ll need your best “oh no it isn’t!” voice at the ready.)
As for me, I’ll be in the stalls with a bag of humbugs, keeping an eye on whether this particular wizard is all smoke and mirrors or the real deal. But one thing I can promise: there really is no place like the People’s this Christmas.
Grace’s Stamp of Approval: Brains, heart, courage, and comedy all wrapped up in a panto parcel. Consider this one signed, sealed, and Oz-posted.
About the Author
