Pinocchio – Community Panto

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Pinocchio – Community Panto

19 – 22 December, 2025

Maryhill Community Central Halls, 292-316 Maryhill Rd, Glasgow G20 7YE

halo arts

Halo Arts are back with Glasgow’s Biggest Community Pantomime- ‘Pinocchio’!

When auld Geppetto wishes his gobby puppet Pinocchio was a real boy, the Blue Fairy brings him to life—(sort of). But our wooden pal still needs to prove he’s got a backbone (and a conscience), with a wee hand from his pest of a pal, Jiminy Cricket.

But trouble is afoot when Stromboli—the dodgiest puppet master north of Maryhilllures Pinocchio and his pals on a bonkers adventure from Italy to Pleasure Island to the inside of a whale’s belly! Can Lampy and Mamma Mia help Pinocchio save his da, tell the truth, and finally be a real boy? Expect songs, patter, daft gags, and audience banter by the bucketload in this hilariously cheeky, family-friendly adventure.

Halo Arts is thrilled to announce the return of its annual community panto project, with this year’s production of Pinocchio. From late November through December, the show will tour schools and community venues across Glasgow, culminating in a series of shows at Maryhill Community Central Halls from 19th-22nd December.

The Halo Arts panto is not just a highlight of the festive season but also a cornerstone of Halo’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable community projects across Glasgow. The popular and highly acclaimed Maryjill based show, ultimately aims to remove financial barriers, ensuring that panto can be enjoyed by all, not just those who can afford it.

The writer & producer of Pinocchio is Brendon McIlroy, the founder and Artistic
Director of Halo Arts. The show is being directed once again by Stephanie Falls.

Brendon says: “It’s brilliant to be back in Maryhill with our seventh annual community panto! This year, we’re taking things even further—slashing prices to make sure Pinocchio is accessible for absolutely everyone, especially at a time when affordable and accessible family experiences are more important than ever. With big city centre pantos charging £35 or more for a ticket, we want to make sure folk in our community don’t miss out on the magic of panto.’

‘As well as being a venue-based show, the panto is also on of Glasgow’s biggest
community projects, reaching over 12,000 people each year. Its what we’re all about at Halo Arts—affordable, accessible events for the whole community’

The show is supported by Glasgow City Council, Maryhill CCH, and Maryhill Housing Association.