Pinocchio: The Panto 2026 | Hong Kong Players Christmas Show

The wonderful Hong Kong Players stage three to four productions a year, but it’s their festive season show that Hong Kong families have come to treasure as a proper Christmas tradition. For 2026, the company brings its trademark wit, wordplay and wonderfully silly charm to Pinocchio, a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming pantomime for audiences of every age.

Book your Panto tickets here

Adapted from the much-loved tale by Italian author Carlo Collodi, and immortalised by the 1940 Disney film, Pinocchio follows one of the most recognisable characters in literary history. In this cheeky reimagining, a pair of magical fairies stumble upon Geppetto, a lonely woodworker longing for a family. They set about granting his wish, then promptly bring the wrong creation to life, turning one of his puppets into a walking, talking, trouble-finding wooden boy. Can Geppetto get to grips with fatherhood, or will Pinocchio be tempted away by the bright lights and big promises of the world outside?

Expect an action-packed romp stuffed with lovable characters, larger-than-life dames, toe-tapping singalongs (oh yes, you will join in), and more twists and turns than the Wilson Trail. With gleeful comedy, dazzling energy and a fresh spin on a classic story, Pinocchio: The Panto is the perfect way to ring in the 2026 Christmas season.

Panto tickets always go fast, so get yours the moment they’re released.

Show Details

• Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai
• Dates: 27 November to 6 December 2026
• Performance times:
  • Fri 27 Nov: 7:30pm
  • Sat 28 Nov: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun 29 Nov: 11:00am & 3:30pm
  • Thu 3 Dec: 7:30pm
  • Fri 4 Dec: 7:30pm
  • Sat 5 Dec: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun 6 Dec: 11:00am & 3:30pm
• Tickets: On sale soon. Join the Hong Kong Players mailing list for access to the exclusive subscriber presale.

When is Pinocchio The Panto in Hong Kong in 2026?

Hong Kong Players present Pinocchio The Panto from Friday 27 November to Sunday 6 December 2026. Expect evening and matinee shows across that holiday window. Dates and booking notes live on the Little Steps panto page.

Is the Hong Kong Players panto suitable for young kids?

Yes. British-style panto is built for families: shout-backs, songs, slapstick and a dame, with a story kids already know. Recent pantos have been billed from about age 3. Toddlers may wriggle in a two-hour show with an interval, so a matinee is usually kinder than a late evening.

How do I get tickets before they sell out?

Join the Hong Kong Players mailing list first. Subscribers get the exclusive presale, and tickets usually go quickly. Last year’s Beauty and the Beast seats were in the HK$295–395 range; 2026 prices should be confirmed when public sale opens. Do not wait for walk-up seats in December.

Where is the panto performed?

Recent Christmas pantos have played Shouson Theatre at Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Confirm the 2026 venue on the company site before you book, then plan MTR Wan Chai and a meal nearby so you are not rushing little people after the curtain.

What makes this different from a big touring musical?

It is community theatre by Hong Kong residents, not a touring West End cast. The company has staged Christmas pantos almost every year since 1889. You get local jokes, audience participation and a festive night that feels like a school-holiday tradition. Pair it with other December ideas such as Santa’s Secret Kingdom.