The Cromer Pier Christmas Show has become an institution in North Norfolk. We were excited to go again for the opening night in 2025. Read our Cromer Pier Christmas Show Review to find out what it’s like to see a performance.
*We received complimentary tickets so that we could share the experience with our readers. Many of the pictures in this post were provided by Openwide Coastal Ltd. as photography is not allowed during the show. All opinions are our own.
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What is the Cromer Pier Christmas Show?
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is a variety show put on at the historic Pavilion Theatre. It has a similar format to the summer show, but with a holiday theme. Expect a mix of comedy, dancing, singing, and magic complimented by the eight metre Deltaplix LED wall.
You might also like to read our review of the Cromer Pier Show Seaside Special.
History of the Pavilion Theatre
The Pavilion Theatre is one of only five UK end of pier theaters. Along with the Christmas-theme holiday show, it also hosts the Seaside Special in the summer/early autumn. At other times, they host concerts and other community events. It’s one of the things you must see when you visit Cromer.
While there has been a pier or jetty in Cromer since 1391, the iron structure that we see today dates back to 1901. The end of the pier had a bandstand until the area was covered in 1905 to create the Pavilion Theatre.
‘Concert parties’ started coming to the Pavilion Theatre in 1906. Then throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Cromer Protection Commission was responsible for selecting the touring shows that would appear. In 1936, Ronnie Brandons Out of the Blue became one of the theatre’s most famous shows.
Shows were paused during World War II. After the devastating gales of 1953 damaged the pier and the pavilion, Repairs were needed before the theatre would reopen for the 1955 season. It wouldn’t be the last time the pier suffered damage and would have to be rebuilt.
In 1978, the Seaside Special that is still popular today started thanks to a partnership with Irish Impresario Richard Condon. There were also changes made to the theatre including reducing seating capacity to 440 and adding a new café, bar, and foyer.
In 2001, a new partnership was formed between North Norfolk District Council and Openwide International in an effort to increase economic growth for the pier and the town. By 2004, they had increased seating capacity to 510, added the Tide restaurant and Footprints shop to the pier, and extended the bar. In 2005, the Christmas Pier Show was introduced.
**Get more ideas for the holiday season, check out our list of the best Christmas events in Norfolk.
Over the years, some famous acts including Ken Dodd, Cannon and Ball, Joe Brown, The Searchers, Jimmy Tarbuck, Paul Daniels, The Barron Knights, Max Bygraves, and Val Doonican have performed at the Pavilion Theatre. It’s also been a place to discover up and coming talent.
Review of the Cromer Pier Christmas Show
We went along to opening night of the Cromer Pier Christmas Show and it immediately set the tone for the season. The auditorium was completely full, and it was lovely to see a packed house buzzing with excitement.
This year marks Olly Day’s 15th turn as host, and what a treat it is to have him back. He moves from magic to singing to dancing with such ease, sprinkling sharp humour throughout. We’ve been fans for years, and he somehow manages to top himself each time.
The lead vocalists, Caris Kerr, making her debut, and Robbie Waugh, delivered one standout moment after another. Robbie even played some guitar and saxophone, because why do one job when you can casually excel at three? Both brought so much passion and skill to the stage.
Danny Lee Grew, the resident magician, leaned into comedy rather than mystery-and-mood magic, and it worked brilliantly. His tricks were fresh, quick, and baffling. We tried to work out how he pulled them off, but can’t explain it. Trish Dunn, the American ventriloquist, arrived with two cheeky companions who kept the laughs rolling.
Even the opening was inventive — far more fun than the usual phone-silencing reminder — and that playful creativity continued right through the show. They mixed modern music with classic Christmas tunes, including a nod to Beyoncé woven neatly into one number. They kept things moving, shifting styles and pacing in all the right ways, which is exactly what a good variety show should do.
The Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat medley was a standout, so much so that the musical has now shot straight onto my must-see list. The costumes throughout were fantastic, and the sdancers’ changes switched outfit so quickly it became a running “how did they do that?” in my mind. The big background screen deserves a mention of its own, taking us on a journey from Victorian London to Egypt and back home to Cromer.
The whole room was fully invested — clapping along to the music more than once — and the cast earned a heartfelt standing ovation. One of the funniest moments by far was the kitchen scene with Olly and Trish, a wonderfully chaotic lesson in how not to cook a turkey. Then there was the men’s cast performing “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, which was tender and beautifully done.
Olly’s sing-along to “White Christmas” had nearly the entire audience joining in, and the tribute to the RNLI and local fishermen felt especially touching and right for Cromer.
There’s also a moment of audience participation (consider that your friendly warning) but Olly insists it wouldn’t be the Cromer Pier Christmas Show without it. Hannah, the brave soul chosen on opening night, was brilliant.
The programme says, “It’s been a challenging year financially for many, so our aim is simple: to lift spirits, share plenty of festive cheer, and give everyone a reason to smile.” They absolutely hit that mark. The whole show feels like a festive hug wrapped in glitter, laughter, and music. It’s the sort of evening that sends you home lighter than when you arrived.
If you’re thinking about going, don’t think too long just get your tickets here and go.
If you like Christmas shows, be sure to check out our list of Pantos and Christmas Theatre in Norfolk here.
Cromer Pier Show FAQs
The Christmas show opens on Saturday 15th November with various matinee and evening performances until 28th December. Get more information here.
Yes the show is suitable for all ages. The kids around us seemed to be having a fabulous time. The theatre provided kids with extra cushions to help them be able to see the stage better. It’s a visually-appealing and high-energy performance, with some jokes specifically directed at the kids.
They do have a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children under 16) to save you money.
There may be slight variations in the running time but expect it to be about 2 hours 30 minutes including a 20 minute interval.
Yes. You can get ice cream from the cart at the front of the theatre during the interval. There is also a bar at the back of the theatre that is open before the show and during the interval. They have a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with snacks (crisps, sweets), cake, and ice cream.
The Cromer Pier is located in the middle of the Cromer Beach in the town. Cromer is well connected by public transportation. Greater Anglia provides train service from Norwich to Cromer, which takes about an hour – get more information here. Alternatively, Sanders Coaches provides bus service from the Norwich bus station – check the fares and timetables here.
If you are coming from London, take the train from Liverpool Street Station to Norwich then transfer to the local train to Cromer. Be sure to book your train ticket in advance to get the best price. Check the schedule and book here.
Another option is to take the National Express bus from Victoria Station to the Norwich bus station and transfer to the Sanders Coach bus. Check price and schedule for the National Express bus here.
There are several car parks around Cromer. We prefer the pay and display one towards the west end of town by the mini-golf. It cost us £2 and took credit cards.
Ticket prices depend on where you want to sit and whether you are an adult, student, senior, carer, or child. The best seats for adults are £35, while children under 16 can get tickets for £28. There is also the option to get a family ticket. If you don’t mind being close to the stage (and potentially being part of the show) you can get a ticket for £25. (Prices accurate for 2025 season)
It’s recommended to get your tickets online in advance here.
Yes, there are ramps to the Pier entrance and wheelchair access to the Pavilion Bar and Theatre. Removable seats are available in the front stalls for wheelchair users. The Duty Manager and Ushers are on hand to assist you with getting to your seats. A disabled toilet is located in the Pavilion Bar foyer and the Tides Restaurant.
Guide dogs are welcome.
Handsets or neck loops are available, but you should contact the Box Office team to pre-book.
Yes! For a live theatre show with high-production value, I think it is a reasonable price and a fun night out. It will get you in the Christmas spirit.
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