Accessible Christmas Performances in Norwich & Norfolk

Accessible Christmas Performances in Norwich & Norfolk

by Katie Thompson

What’s the festive season without a Christmas performance? Whether you love to get lost in the seasonal score of a classic ballet or can’t wait to get involved with a laugh-out-loud pantomime, Norwich has plenty of performances on offer this Christmas.  

And Christmas shows are for absolutely everyone, right? Maybe wheelchair access is a high priority, or you want a show that’s captioned, signed or relaxed- there’s loads to get you into the festive spirit!  

So, if you’re searching for a show suited to your needs, savour the season in Norwich with our list of amazing accessible performances this Christmas.

Image: Cromer Pier

Accessibility in Norwich | Accessibility in Norfolk

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Norwich 

The All New Adventures of Peter Pan at Norwich Theatre Royal 
5 December – 3 January, various times, from £10

//Sensory Adapted: 17 December, 1pm  
//Captioned: 17 December, 6pm & 28 December, 1pm 
//BSL Interpreted: 17 December, 6pm & 28 December, 1pm 
//Touch Tour: 22 December, 6pm & 30 December, 12.45pm 
//Audio Described: 22 December, 7.30pm & 30 December, 2.30pm

No Christmas is complete without a trip to the panto. Oh, no it isn’t! And we’re always guaranteed fairytale fun at Norwich Theatre Royal. This year, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan are taking us on an epic adventure with Peter, Wendy and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee!

And there are plenty of accessible performances, both before and after Christmas Day, including adapted performances with reduced sound and softened lighting. 

Norwich Theatre itself offers step-free access, accessible lifts and toilets, and free essential companion tickets. You can also join their free My Theatre Accessibility Scheme for a stress-free experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment, for both physical and mental disabilities- find more details on their website.

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.

My First Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears at The Garage
6 December – 1 January, various times, adults £17.50, children £15.50

//Suitable for under 7s and their families 

The Garage’s much-loved interactive My First Panto is perfect for your little ones’ first experience of theatre! Designed especially for early years audiences, enjoy this wonderful woodland adventure as Goldilocks meets three friendly bears and discovers the joy of making new friends- interacting through song, dance and storytelling. Woodland animal teddies welcome! 

The Garage is great for families, with a buggy park and relaxed production- including interactive play, special lighting and sensory elements- allowing you to enjoy it to the full! For d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent theatregoers, their Access Scheme offers an impeccable service for any accessibility requirements (including wheelchairs, visual needs and assistance dogs).

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 283382.

The Snow Queen at Norwich Theatre Playhouse 
11 – 20 December, various times, from £12.50

//Suitable for ages 5+

Join siblings Pip and Pelle as they head out on a magical Christmas adventure to save the village of Snödal and thaw the Snow Queen’s frozen heart. Along the way, meet friendly companions, from Johan the Moose to Vikings to mischievous elves, and make plenty of time for fika! 

Step-free access (to row G) and platform lifts (to rows R & T, including wheelchair spaces) are available at the Playhouse, alongside accessible and gender-neutral toilets. As part of Norwich Theatre, you can join the free My Theatre Accessibility Scheme for a stress-free experience for a range of physical and mental abilities.  

(Or if you’re searching for a hilarious adult panto, make sure to check out Moulin Scrooge (9 – 19 December, 7.30pm, 18+, from £20), which promises to be a crazy and fun twist on this well-known musical and classic Christmas tale.)

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.

Hansel and Gretel at Norwich Puppet Theatre 
12 – 31 December, 11am & 2.30pm, adults £14, children £10 

//Suitable for ages 3+. 

Get lost in the world of classic Grimm fairytale Hansel and Gretel at Norwich Puppet Theatre this Christmas. Deep in an enchanted forest, they find themselves on the menu of a sweet-toothed witch! Wonderful puppetry brings this colourful retelling to life, accompanied by a feast of delicious music and striking scenery. 

The front row of the auditorium offers accessible seating- pre-book these seats to secure your front-row view! Norwich Puppet Theatre also offers accessible toilets, level access and a reduced rate for carers. Familiarise yourself with the venue before visiting with their Visual Story. 

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 629 921.

The Box of Delights at the Maddermarket Theatre 
18 December – 3 January, 2pm & 7pm 

//Suitable for ages 6+. 

Join the Maddermarket Theatre for a magical family production of The Box of Delights! Ideal for those who love a Christmas production but not so much a panto, be immersed in the world of orphan Kay Harker as he fights the forces of evil to protect the Box of Delights and save Christmas in the town of Tatchester!  

The Maddermarket’s auditorium offers wheelchair accessible spaces, as well as the adjacent seats free of charge to accompanying carers. There is also a hearing loop in place, and the Front of House team are available to assist throughout.  

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01603 620 917.

Royal Ballet and Opera Live: The Nutcracker at Cinema City 
1 December, 7.15pm & 7 December, 1pm

//Dedicated accessibility line on 02072 947 908 

At Cinema City, wonder at this whimsical wintry performance on the big screen. Be transported into the marvellous Land of Sweets in The Nutcracker as Clara is whisked away on a journey where toys come alive! This recording is full of fantastical costumes, gorgeous sets, a soaring score and, of course, captivating dance from choreographer Peter Wright.  

Cinema City is accessible from street level, with accessible lifts and toilets and a lowered Box Office counter. All screens are full accessible with dedicated wheelchair spaces. Hearing loops are available, as well as free tickets for essential companions and the admittance of assistance dogs. 

And while they may not count as ‘performances’, you can immerse yourself in the festive tales of some of our most-loved Christmas films (some with special ‘mulled wine and festive cake’ screenings!). Think It’s a Wonderful Life (celebrating its 80th anniversary), Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Polar Express. 

//Book online or call the Box Office on 08719 025 747.

Norfolk 

Thursford Christmas Spectacular
10 November – 23 December, 2pm & 7pm

For an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza, look no further than the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! This incredible spectacle will take your breath away. Here, you can expect jaw-dropping variety acts, comedy that’ll have you chuckling away and spine-tingling music from a 32-piece orchestra. Oh, and you might recognise a Christmas tune or two. It’s the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! 

Thursford has great accessibility for all, including free and disabled parking, level access throughout, wheelchair-friendly spaces (book by phone only) and storage, accessible toilets and an essential companion discount (with a Nimbus Disability Access card). Plus, your furry friend can join in the fun (please inform the Box Office beforehand!) 

//Book online or via the Box Office on 01328 878 477.

Cromer Pier Christmas Show
14 November – 28 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is back for another spellbinding year and it’s sure to get you in the spirit. Think fantastic comedy, dazzling dance routines and amazing variety acts, as well as a jaw-dropping 8-metre video wall alongside creative scene sets! And it’s part of the only full season end of pier show in the world!  

Cromer Pier and its theatre are easily accessible for wheelchairs and those needing assistance, including step-free access, a designated area for wheelchairs in the auditorium and accessible toilets. Plus, guide dogs are welcome and hearing loops. All are available to prebook via phone. There is blue badge parking nearby on the promenade. 

//Book online or call the Box Office on 01263 512495.