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Alice in Wonderland Panto at The Majestic-Darlington

Updated: Apr 22, 2023

Address; 78-80 Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JT


Today we went to The Majestic - Darlington to watch the Alice in Wonderland panto by Lyall events entertainment. This is a write up on both the theatre and the show, so that you may consider visiting the theatre for future shows.


I went with my husband Stef and the two eldest boys, Kamron (6) and Damon (14).


You can park at the back of the theatre in the long stay car park. It is £3 for 3 hours which I would recommend if just visiting a show or £4 for an all day ticket.



The theatre is in an old 1920s building with an Art Deco style throughout and lots of marble and chandeliers everywhere. There's even a softplay on the ground floor, Gigi's in what used to be the old theatre area. We often visit the softplay as it's one of Kamrons favourites.


The show started off a little underwhelming at first, but it soon picked up as the different characters were introduced giving it more excitement. There were plenty of jokes and the funny script slip ups you expect from a panto. The audience interaction was great throughout with lots of boos and screams from the kids (and adults!). They finished off the show by getting some of the kids on stage involved in a song. It all came together well and we enjoyed it. There was a 20 minute interval approximately half way so you can go to the toilet or to purchase drinks or snacks from the bar. They also had icecream tubs to purchase just at the theatre entrance.



Everyone played their parts well I thought, my favourite was the white rabbit played by Hayley Warters, who is also one of the owners of the theatre. I think she is really funny and this came across from the audience reactions too.


A few things to point out…


The theatre isn’t huge and some of the technical effects and stage sets aren’t as dramatic as some larger theatres, but I think it is still definitely good value for money and still enough happening to keep you interested. This is just something to bear if mind if visiting so you aren’t expecting too much.


It isn’t wheelchair accessible unfortunately as it’s an old building. However, if you aren’t wheelchair bound and just need more time to get up the stairs or to get seated earlier (even just to avoid crowds) then they are more than accommodating with this as we found today when arranging with the staff due to Stef using crutches. There are four lots of stairs to walk up (the bar and theatre are on the second floor), so this may be something to consider if visiting. You will need to leave pushchairs in the entrance. Unless you fold them to take up and leave in the bar area.


The theatre itself could do with a bit of a refurb but I do love the 1920s art deco style throughout and some original features so I personally wouldn’t want this to be changed, just a tidy up I think. I did love the bar area though and to me this was the nicest part of the theatre, I would love to return for their afternoon tea that they offer in the bar. It is mainly the theatre seating that needed an upgrade the most.



They have started to look at replacing the seating which is definitely well overdue. They are asking if customers would like to donate some money, and in return, they will dedicate a plaque to you or your business on the seats you buy. (Min amount is £20 per seat for the plaque). I think this is a fab idea and a great way to support this theatre whilst also giving someone a really thoughtful gift (particularly theatre lovers!)


Overall, I think it was a great show to see to finish off the Easter Holidays. This theatre often have a variety of family and adult shows and many have earlier booking deals on too so keep an eye out for these at https://themajestictheatre.co.uk/


You could even combine your visit with a play in Gigi's softplay downstairs too if taking kids, the softplay has recently had a refurb to the seating and it's looking lovely.


You can also follow the theatre and softplay Facebook pages for updates and deals at https://www.facebook.com/TheMajesticDarlington


Thankyou for reading. I hope you found this useful :)


**Ad-Gifted Visit

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