The festive season in London is being lit up by a spectacular wave of pantomimes, with theatres across the capital placing diversity and inclusion firmly at the heart of this year's productions. Leading this charge is the pioneering Chickenshed theatre company, whose monumental Christmas show, RED, features a truly remarkable cast of over 800 people.
A Cast of Hundreds Takes the Stage
For more than 51 years, Chickenshed has built its reputation on creating theatre that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or ability. This ethos shines brighter than ever in their current production. RED is a magical reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, where Red and her siblings are whisked from city life to their grandmother's home in the snowy mountains, embarking on a thrilling adventure.
With a company of 800 members, the logistics are as ambitious as the show's spirit. The cast is spread across five separate rotas, ensuring that every single member gets their moment in the spotlight. Each performance will see 180 performers on stage, creating a vibrant and ever-changing spectacle of music, movement, and heart.
The Heartbeat of an Inclusive Ensemble
For performer Laura Brady, being in the Christmas show is a profoundly personal experience. "I love being in the Christmas show because everyone helps each other and we all get to be part of the story," she says. "Chickenshed is like my second family and Christmas is my favourite time to perform." She emphasises the company's core belief: "it doesn't matter who you are - you can be on stage and be amazing."
Director Michael Bossisse echoes this sentiment, describing the unique energy of rehearsals where seven-year-olds work alongside students and staff. "When people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds work together, the room fills with a kind of energy and creativity that you simply can't manufacture," he states. He praises RED as "ensemble theatre at its most alive," where every individual's contribution shapes the performance.
East London's Rule-Breaking Alternative
Meanwhile, in East London, the Theatre Royal Stratford East is also championing representation with its own festive offering. Their production, Mama Goose, features a proudly diverse cast, including many Black actors, reflecting the local community.
Duane Goode, who plays the title role, stresses the importance of this visibility. "For a cast to be diverse is vital, because panto is a celebration for all families," he explains. The show takes traditional panto elements—slapstick, songs, and a battle between good and greed—and roots them in a modern East London story about community. The cast even includes contemporary twists like an AI character and a bougie fairy named Katy Perry.
Where to Catch the Festive Magic
Chickenshed's RED runs until 10 January 2026 at the company's own theatre in Southgate, North London. Beyond the stage, Chickenshed's impact is vast, working with over 15,000 children, young people, and adults through various outreach and education programmes.
Over in Stratford, Mama Goose continues its run until 3 January 2026. Both productions stand as powerful testaments to how British theatre is evolving, ensuring the Christmas tradition of pantomime is a joyful and inclusive experience for every family.
