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Pantomime & Family Theatre in Brighton

Panto in Brighton tends to mean somewhere small and characterful rather than a big commercial barn. Brighton Little Theatre, right in the centre, puts on family shows in a building over 190 years old, tickets from £10. New Venture Theatre, also in Brighton, is a different prospect entirely: it's 18+ only, with adult acting classes and a full year of grown-up productions, so leave the children with someone else for that one. For the full traditional treatment, Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne does Dick Whittington with a Santa's grotto beforehand, from £12. If you want the classic panto experience with food on site and easy parking, Eastbourne is the one to book. Brighton Little Theatre suits a cheaper, more intimate evening, and it's the closest option to the centre. Families further afield have choices too: Ifield Barn Theatre in Crawley stages shows in a genuine 700-year-old barn with free parking next door, and Trinity Theatre, a longer trip out to Royal Tunbridge Wells, is for ages 6 and up and a five-minute walk from the station.

✓ 4 places★ 1 upcoming event✦ From £10