Christmas is coming to the Royal Hippodrome as tickets sell fast for Dick Whittington!

With Christmas just around the corner, excitement is building at Eastbourne's Royal Hippodrome Theatre as preparations get underway for this year's spectacular pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Opening on Friday 11th December, the theatre's much-loved Christmas pantomime is already proving popular, with tickets selling fast as families make their festive plans.

This year's production follows Dick Whittington and his clever cat on a daring adventure to London, where they'll encounter a wicked Rat and discover whether the streets really are paved with gold!

Packed with catchy songs, colourful costumes, huge laughs and plenty of audience participation, the production promises all the traditional panto fun that audiences have come to expect from Christmas at the Royal Hippodrome. Panto favourites Luke Roberts and Paul Leno-Putt lead the cast as Dick Whittington and Fanny Fitzwarren, alongside Rachel Cantrill as Pussy Le Claw, Ellie Earl as the Diva of the Bells, Josh Hankey as King Rat and Katie Sanders as Alice Fitzwarren.

One performance that has already proved particularly popular is the theatre's infamous Adults-Only Panto Night on Thursday 17th December. Known for its outrageous humour, cheeky innuendo and rather more risqué take on the traditional family show, the strictly 18+ performance has become a firm favourite with Hippodrome audiences. This year's event is already completely sold out, although a waiting list is available for anyone still hoping to secure tickets.

The theatre will also be holding its Relaxed Performance on Sunday 27th December at 11am, offering a more relaxed and welcoming environment for those who may benefit from a gentler theatre experience.

Alex Adams, the theatre's Artistic Director and co-director and producer of Dick Whittington, said: "It's hard to believe we're already just a few weeks away from another Christmas panto! It's always such an exciting time of year for us, and there's a real buzz around the theatre as everything starts coming together.

"We've got a fantastic cast this year, including some very familiar faces who our audiences know and love, and we're looking forward to bringing another fun-filled production to the stage.

"It's brilliant to see tickets selling so well already, particularly with our Adult Night completely sold out. Panto is such a big part of Christmas for so many families in Eastbourne, and we love seeing people return year after year. If you haven't booked yet, we'd definitely encourage you to get your tickets soon!”

With just weeks to go until opening night, the Royal Hippodrome is encouraging audiences to book early, particularly those hoping to attend on specific dates or secure their preferred seats.

Dick Whittington opens at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne, on Friday 11th December 2026, with a special opening night offer of all tickets just £12. Performances continue throughout the festive season until Sunday 3rd January 2027.

Tickets are on sale now through the Royal Hippodrome Theatre Box Office 01323 802020 and website www.royalhippodrome.com