Epic adventure and fun aplenty await in Chipping Norton panto

The final dash of fairy dust is being sprinkled over this year’s pantomime in Chipping Norton ahead of its opening this month.

The town’s annual festive extravaganza has a reputation for being one of the finest in the country, and this year it tells the story of The Snow Queen. Fresh talent and performers with impressive panto pedigrees will bring a magical twist to a much-loved tale, with the show running at The Theatre from November 18 to January 17.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, The Snow Queen follows brave Gerda and her sweetie-loving mum, Dame Candy Cane, as they set off on an epic adventure to rescue Kai and save Christmas after the Snow Queen steals him away and cancels the festive season.

Their daring rescue mission takes them to wintry ice palaces, ingenious sweetie inventions and plenty of festive fun.

Lowri Sara Jones will play the wickedly wonderful Snow Queen. A recent graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Lowri’s previous roles include Rapunzel at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. She now takes on the role of the icy ruler determined to freeze Christmas forever.

Brave and loyal Gerda will be played by Lottie Mae O’Kill. Lottie’s recent credits include Patrice in 13 The Musical (West End) and Swing in Bring it On! (Southwark Playhouse).

Joining her will be Calum Isaacs as Kai, Gerda's best friend. A graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, with recent theatre credits including A Christmas Carol (Malvern Theatres) and Noises Off (Frinton Summer Theatre), Calum brings a warmth, humour and heart to the magical adventure.

Joshua Roberts is making his debut at The Theatre playing Gunther. Joshua’s theatre credits include Maison Mac (Birmingham Hippodrome) and The Importance of Being Earnest (The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith).

Roger Parkins was last seen at The Theatre Chipping Norton in Jack and the Beanstalk. He returns to play multiple roles, Jack Frost, Rudolph and Santa Claus. Roger’s theatre credits include Horrible Histories (Birmingham Stage Company), Next Time I'll Sing To You (The Orange Tree Theatre) and The Glass Protege (The Park Theatre)

Celebrated panto performer Daniel Page will play Dame Candy Cane. With credits spanning the West End and Exeter, Daniel promises to have audiences laughing, cheering and joining in from the very first "Oh no he isn’t!"

The Snow Queen is written by Toby Hulse and will be directed by Caroline Leslie, who directed The Theatre’s touring production of Murder For Two. Caroline’s credits also include The Wipers Times (The Arts Theatre, West End/The Watermill Theatre) and Bleak Expectations (The Criterion Theatre, West End). Award-winning composer Paul Herbert has written original music for the show. His recent credits include Dog Man The Musical (UK Tour 2026), Wish List (Birmingham Hippodrome) and Zog (UK Tour 2026). Set design is by Pip Leckenby who designed The Theatre’s productions of Beauty and the Beast (2025), Cinderella (2023) and Dick Whittington (2022).

The lighting designer is Will Evans, the sound designer is Matt Eaton and the costume designer is Alice McNicholas.

Visit chippingnortontheatre.com or call 01608 642350 to book.