A festive Hippodrome pantomime about Dick Whittington and his clever cat, with evening and matinee performances and a visit to Santa's Grotto before Christmas.
Dick Whittington runs at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre from Monday 7 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with evening and matinee performances starting at 7:00 pm. It's a Hippodrome pantomime, so it's built for the whole family: sparkle, catchy songs, and the kind of big laughs that make a panto work. The story follows Dick and his clever cat on their way to London, where they have to take on the wicked Rat and find out if the streets are really paved with gold.
There's a bit of a twist to keep in mind if you're planning your visit. For one night only, on Thursday 17 December, the company puts on an adults-only performance—a wickedly naughty version full of outrageous jokes and unapologetic innuendo, so that one is definitely for the grown-ups rather than the kids. If you are taking the family, there's also Santa's Grotto open for £8.00 before Christmas Day performances, and they suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime to make sure you get your turn.
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Tickets range from £12 to £20, and the price changes depending on when you go. Opening night on Friday 11 December is a flat £12 for all tickets. Prime Time is £16 full price, £14 concession, and £56 for a family ticket. Peak Time goes up to £20 full price, £18 concession, and £72 for a family ticket. Prime Time Plus sits in the middle at £18 full price, £16 concession, and £64 for a family ticket. That adults-only performance on Thursday 17 December is £20 for all tickets, and schools performances from 7 to 10 December are £8. The theatre is at 106-114 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PF.
