Islington, London | Christmas 2026
Oh yes it is! The King’s Head Theatre is back with its third annual pantomime, and this year it is Dick Whittington. Written and directed by Andrew Pollard, the show stars RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites Victoria Scone and River Medway, and comes in two versions: the family-friendly Dick Whittington And His Cat and the cheekier Dick Whittington: Adults Only. Here is why it deserves a spot in your festive diary.
1. Drag Race royalty leads the cast
Panto and drag have always been natural partners, and this year’s line-up leans into that brilliantly. Victoria Scone and River Medway, both firm favourites from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, head the cast. They are joined by West End performers Joseph Vella and Patricia Wilkins, bringing serious musical theatre credentials to the stage. Drag and cabaret stars Sé Carr (AKA Jamie Fuzz) and Ash Weir complete the company. It is a cast that promises big personalities, sharp comic timing and plenty of sparkle.
2. Choose your panto: family or adults only
One of the best things about the King’s Head pantos is that there is a version for every audience. Dick Whittington And His Cat is the one to book for families, running from 22 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Dick Whittington: Adults Only runs from 26 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, and is the one for a festive night out with friends or colleagues. Both tell the same classic story, so you can pick the version that suits your crowd. Some panto fans might even be tempted to see both.
3. A classic London tale with an Islington twist
Dick Whittington’s adventure begins as he heads to London town to seek fame and fortune, with his trusty cat by his side. Sadly, the big city is overrun with rats and does not quite live up to his dreams. Our young hero must try to save Islington from the clutches of the villainous Queen Rat and restore London to its former glory. Along the way there is the small matter of whether he will find love. It is the perfect story for a theatre on home turf, and audiences will no doubt enjoy the local references.
4. Written and directed by Andrew Pollard
Andrew Pollard both writes and directs this year’s show, giving the production a single, clear comic vision. This is the third year of the King’s Head Theatre’s annual pantos, so the tradition is now well and truly established. A fringe venue panto has a very different energy from the big West End spectaculars. You are close to the action, the jokes land right in your lap and the audience becomes part of the show. If you have never tried a smaller-scale panto, this is a great place to start.
5. A perfectly sized festive treat
The show runs for approximately two hours including an interval, which is just right for younger audiences and for a pre-dinner or post-work outing. With performances running right through December and into the new year, there is plenty of flexibility for fitting it around the busy festive calendar. It makes an easy plan for a family day out, a work Christmas do or a catch-up with friends. Panto is one of the great British Christmas traditions, and this is a fun, characterful way to enjoy it. Just remember to bring your loudest boos for Queen Rat.
Tickets and info
Dick Whittington
King’s Head Theatre, Islington, London
Dick Whittington And His Cat: 22 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Dick Whittington: Adults Only: 26 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Running time: approximately 2 hours including interval