Carver Theatre
BEST FOR
Ages 4+
WHERE
Stockport
What it’s like
A proper theatre panto plus junior and youth shows, with pyrotechnics that'll spook anyone under about four.
The pantomime's the big one here, evenings at 7:30pm and matinees at 2pm unless they say otherwise. There are also Junior and Youth shows through the year, so it's not just a Christmas outing if you fancy a trip in spring or summer too.
Worth knowing before you book: the site is upfront that the panto isn't really suited to under-fours, there are pyrotechnics and characters that are genuinely meant to be scary. If you've got a four or five-year-old who's easily rattled by baddies jumping out with a bang, it's worth thinking about which show you pick rather than assuming panto is automatically the gentle option.
Tickets go on sale for the whole season from mid to end of August, with panto tickets released separately from 1st November, so if you want good seats for Christmas you can't just book in autumn and hope. They're non-refundable unless the show itself gets cancelled, though there's sometimes a chance to exchange with two weeks' notice if plans change, so don't bank on flexibility as your backup plan.
If you're bringing a big group, buying 10 tickets gets you an 11th free on panto and Saturday matinees of the Junior and Youth shows, which is worth organising if you're doing a birthday party or a school trip. There's a hearing loop and wheelchair access, with spaces kept in Row A, though you'll need to ring the box office ahead so they can pull out seats for you.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Age 4 and up; younger ones may find the panto's pyrotechnics too much
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair spaces in Row A available
- Parties
- Group discounts on Panto and Saturday matinees of Junior/Youth shows: buy 10 tickets, get 1 free
- Panto tickets are released separately from 1st November, not with the rest of the season
- Book wheelchair spaces ahead by phone so seats can be pulled out of Row A
- Tickets are non-refundable, so only exchange chances need two weeks' notice
Plan your visit
What time do shows start?
Evenings kick off at 7:30pm and matinees at 2pm, unless the listing for that particular show says otherwise.
When do tickets go on sale?
Season tickets land from mid to end of August. Panto tickets are a separate release, usually from 1st November.
Is the panto alright for a toddler?
Not really, they flag it as unsuitable for under-fours because of pyrotechnics and deliberately scary characters.
Can we get a refund if we can't make it?
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event itself is cancelled. Exchanges are sometimes possible with two weeks' notice, subject to availability.
Do you do group discounts for parties?
Buy 10 tickets and get one free on panto and on Saturday matinees of the Junior and Youth shows.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are wheelchair spaces in Row A and a hearing loop, but call the box office on 0161 410 0202 ahead so they can remove seats for you.
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