There’s magic brewing in Islington this winter, and it’s anything but ordinary. From 21 November to 28 December, the Pleasance Theatre is serving up Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto!, a gloriously camp, pop-fuelled twist on Oz that promises big laughs, bigger voices, and more sparkle than a drag queen’s Christmas tree.
Set twenty years after Dorothy first tottered over the rainbow, our heroine returns to the Borough of Oz-lington to find Christmas under threat from a frosty storm that could cancel the festivities altogether. Naturally, it’s up to Dor and her old gang — Scarecrow, Lion and the gloriously upgraded Tin 2.0 — to save the season. Expect high-energy numbers, outrageous costumes, and enough tongue-in-cheek innuendo to keep even the most seasoned panto fans cackling.
This isn’t your granny’s panto (unless your granny’s fabulous). The creative team behind Wicked Witches know their audience, weaving together pop hits, drag sass and a healthy dose of queer joy. And yes, you read that right — drag queens. Rumour has it that the fierce and funny Crayola the Queen is part of the cauldron crew, bringing her trademark sparkle and snark to the Pleasance stage.
The show walks that perfect line between family fun and grown-up mischief. Afternoon performances bring the magic for all ages, while later shows crank up the camp with a wink and a glitter bomb for the adults who like their Christmas entertainment with a naughty edge.
At its heart, Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! is a celebration of courage, individuality and acceptance — the kind of feel-good message that lands especially well in our queer little corner of the world. It’s the antidote to a grey London winter: loud, proud and completely unashamed of its sparkle.
So whether you’re rounding up your mates for a night of drag-fuelled mayhem or planning a festive family outing that won’t bore you senseless, this is the ticket. With seats starting from just £10 for previews, there’s no excuse not to click “book” before they vanish faster than a flying monkey.
✨ Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! runs from 21 November to 28 December at the Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, N7 9EF.
