Panto magic and mayhem returns to The Guildhall in Chichester!
Published 12:31 on 5 Nov 2025
Children and grown-ups will be able to enjoy plenty of festive magic this December when the Priory Park Pantomime Experience returns to The Guildhall in Chichester.
The pantomime has been specially commissioned by Chichester District Council as part of its Christmas in Priory Park festive programme of events and has been written by Chichester-based actors Katie Bennett and Vicky Edwards.
Shows will take place on 5,6,7 and 12,13,14 December.
People of all ages will be able to enjoy more festive antics of Fairy Sparkle, Santa, Mrs Santa and Norman the Elf. At Santas Chichester HQ the team are ahead of schedule. Everything has been wrapped, packed and labelled they are all ready for the big Christmas Eve delivery.
With some unexpected time on their hands, the friends decide to put on a Christmas show, but things quickly take a turn that could mean that Santa, once again, is at risk of being unable to do his seasonal duty. Can Fairy Sparkle save the day? Will Norman get to wear a crown? And will Mrs Santa ever get five minutes peace and quiet?
Delivered by seasoned panto professionals, The Priory Park Panto Experience is a one-hour magical experience full of all the traditional pantomime ingredients people can expect plenty of laughs, jokes and opportunities to say boo!
Katie Bennett and Vicky Edwards play Fairy Sparkle and Mrs Santa respectively and are joined by Jack Mallender as Norman the Elf and John Harcourt-Kelly as Santa.
Each performance will include a short post-show meet-and-greet and a chance to take photographs with the characters. Children will also be able to hand-deliver their letters to Santa in person.
Show times will take place on:
- Friday 5 December: 4.30pm, 6.30pm.
- Saturday 6 December: 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.
- Sunday 7 December: 11am (relaxed performance) 1.30pm, 3.30pm
- Friday 12 December: 4.30pm, 6.30pm
- Saturday 13 December: 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 6pm
- Sunday 14 December: 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.
Tickets cost £10 per adult and £7.50 per child. Tickets for carers and personal assistants are free. Babes-in-arms go free. People can book at: www.thenovium.org.uk/christmas...
Co-writer Katie Bennett says: Were so excited to be returning to The Guildhall where we had such a fantastic reception last year! While featuring the same characters, well be bringing a brand new story to the stage, complete with wholesome family fun and sack loads of Christmas cheer! Were really looking forward to seeing people of all ages from across the Chichester District at our new mini-panto show and children, dont forget to bring your letters to Santa!
Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Licensing, Communications and Events at Chichester District Council, says: Feedback from the event last year was so positive and Im thrilled that the cast are returning to the stage with another fun-packed show. Make sure you come along to cheer the goodies, boo the baddies and get that festive feel-good factor!
Audience members are asked to wrap up warm as The Guildhall can get a little chilly. Cushions for little ones will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but people are also welcome to bring their own.
Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase in The Guildhall, and access packs available on request. Toilets are located in Priory Park.
For more information about Chichester District Councils Festivities in Priory Park, seasonal parking offers and even more Christmas information, people can go to: www.chichester.gov.uk/countdow...
People can also follow the councils Facebook, X and Instagram pages plus the events and markets Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChichesterDis...
For regular updates about council events people can also sign up to Chichester District Councils monthly email newsletter Initiatives + at: www.chichester.gov.uk/newsaler...