It has been a record-breaking festive season for Southampton’s Mayflower venues, with over 100,000 people attending performances at Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios. The impressive line-up of shows included English National Ballet’s Nutcracker, Elf the Musical, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Wind in The Willows, captivating audiences of all ages.
A festive triumph at Mayflower Theatre
Jack and the Beanstalk proved to be a runaway success at Mayflower Theatre, attracting over 72,000 attendees. This marks the highest attendance for a pantomime, for the length of its run, in over two decades, surpassing last year’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The magical pantomime delighted families and cemented its place as the South Coast’s biggest festive production.
Mayflower Studios shines bright
Mayflower Studios also enjoyed a phenomenal festive period, with five sold-out performances of The Wind in The Willows. This production was the fourth Christmas Youth Project staged by the Studios, offering a platform for over 50 talented young performers from the local community. These high-quality productions continue to provide invaluable opportunities for budding artists, demonstrating Mayflower’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
I am thrilled that we have achieved record-breaking attendances across our venues this festive season. Our diverse programme – spanning dance, musicals, a children’s Christmas show, our Christmas Youth Project, and, of course, the biggest pantomime on the South Coast – has offered something for everyone. Christmas is often the time when many experience live theatre for the first time, and I am proud that so many members of our local community were able to enjoy the magic of live performance.
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower
Looking ahead to Christmas 2025
Mayflower’s festive offerings are set to dazzle once again this Christmas, with something to excite audiences of all ages. Mayflower Theatre will present The Pantomime Adventures Of Peter Pan, featuring star casting to be announced, while Mayflower Studios will bring back the youth production A Christmas Carol. Additionally, the Studios will host Counting Down To Christmas, a delightful introduction to theatre for under-5s. Tickets for all productions are on sale now.
