Cheshire Panto | Christmas 2026
With just four weeks to go, the countdown is on for Snow White at Northwich Memorial Court. Coronation Street‘s Chris Gascoyne heads the cast as the magical royal Henchman in this festive show from award-winning Anton Benson Productions, running from Sunday 6 to Thursday 31 December 2026 with tickets from £17. Here are five reasons to take the family.
1. Corrie’s Peter Barlow swaps the Street for panto
Chris Gascoyne is best known as Peter Barlow in Coronation Street, and here he plays the Henchman – a character whose loyalties are part of the fun. He has recently wrapped The Northumbria Mysteries, on which he is also Executive Producer. His other recent TV includes All Creatures Great and Small, Patience and The Feud. He also has a strong stage CV, with credits at HOME Manchester, Birmingham Rep, Bolton Octagon, the Royal Exchange Manchester and the Royal Court. Seeing a familiar soap face up close in a local panto is a real treat for grown-ups and children alike.
2. A story full of questions
In the Kingdom of Little Apple, Snow White is waiting for her Prince, but Queen Narcissa plans to marry him herself. Just how far will the wicked Queen go to get her way? Is the magical Henchman really good or bad? And what mischief will Wally and Nurse Nelly get up to this year? It is a classic tale with plenty of twists to keep young audiences guessing right to the end.
3. Northwich favourites are back
Georgie Jackson, Northwich’s favourite princess, plays Snow White after a string of leading panto roles at the venue, including Belle, Cinderella and Princess Jasmine. Local panto legend Ryan Greaves plays Wally and is celebrating his 16th year – and 15th panto – with Anton Benson Productions. Hayley Russell returns as the Wicked Queen Narcissa, having understudied Scarlett Moffatt as the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin at Northwich last year. Michael Chance, who trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, plays Nurse Nelly. Harvey Cloke completes the line-up as Prince Pippin, making his professional pantomime debut.
4. Live singalong songs and dazzling costumes
The show promises dazzling costumes and sets for audiences of all ages. The singalong soundtrack is performed live by the cast, so there will be plenty of chances to join in. Add in all the traditional panto fun and it is set to be a lively afternoon or evening out. Producer Anton Benson says the magic mirrors are being polished and the apples picked, promising the fairest panto of them all. He also says the company always gets a tremendous welcome from Northwich audiences.
5. Affordable family tickets
Tickets start from £17, with concessions, family tickets for four and group tickets also available. A booking fee applies. The run covers most of December, from Sunday 6 to Thursday 31 December, with performances at various times. Check the Brio Entertainment website for the full schedule before you book. It is a great local alternative to a big city trip for Cheshire families.
Tickets and info
Snow White
Northwich Memorial Court, Chester Way, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5JQ
Sunday 6 – Thursday 31 December 2026 (various times, see website for full schedule)
Tickets from £17 (booking fee applies); concessions, family tickets (for four) and group tickets available