After a two-year break, panto is back at Contact Theatre this festive season — and it’s bigger, bolder, and full of festive sparkle!
Contact and The Big Tiny invite families from across Greater Manchester to join them this Christmas for Rumpelstiltskin, a laugh-out-loud adventure packed with magic, mischief, and mayhem.
From The Big Tiny – one of the North’s leading pantomime producers, known for their award-winning festive shows – this all-new production brings a heartwarming tale of friendship, true love, and the triumph of good over evil, with sensational sets, fabulous costumes, and audience participation for all ages.
The Big Tiny’s approach to pantomime is guided by co-director Ben Richards’ ongoing PhD research, How Contemporary British Pantomime Responds to Evolving Ideas of Identity. His work explores how the traditional form can move beyond outdated Victorian conventions to better reflect local communities, foster inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Rumpelstiltskin is a practical realisation of these principles — combining glittering spectacle and classic panto fun with a deeper question at its heart: who do we see as “us,” and what makes us different from “them”?
Set in the Bavarian town of Lieblingsberg, where love has mysteriously disappeared, Rumpelstiltskin follows the return of Cupid as they battle to outwit the wicked tricks of Rumpelstiltskin and help Prince Dierdrick find his happily ever after.
Filled with dazzling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud jokes, and a sprinkle of festive fairy dust, this is the ultimate family treat for Christmas 2025.
Jack Dale-Dowd, CEO of Contact Theatre, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome families back for a proper Contact Christmas panto! It’s been two years since panto filled our theatre, and we can’t wait to bring audiences together for something full of laughter, music, and heart.”
Will Cousins, Co-Director of The Big Tiny, said:
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with our newest partner at the Contact Theatre and look forward to welcoming them into The Big Tiny family — it’s such a vibrant, inclusive and joyful home for theatre. Rumpelstiltskin is a pantomime made nose to tail in Manchester, by Mancunians for Mancunians. It’s created with care, delivered with love, and sparkling with Manchester magic.
Performance run: Thursday 11 – Wednesday 31 December 2025
Venue: Contact Theatre, Manchester
Tickets: contactmcr.com/events/rumpelstiltskin
