The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland 2026 in Lagoa, Algarve: Dates, Tickets & What to Expect

The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland brings a classic British-style pantomime of Alice in Wonderland to the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa, in the central Algarve, offering a lively, family-friendly night out for locals, expats and holidaymakers.

What is The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland?

The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland is a stage production by The Algarveans, a long-running amateur theatre group in the Algarve. For their 36th year, they are presenting a pantomime version of Lewis Carroll’s much-loved tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

This adaptation, based on Tom Whalley’s panto script, follows Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole into a topsy-turvy world of talking animals and eccentric characters. In true pantomime fashion, there is a playful twist: the Queen of Hearts is celebrating her un-birthday, while the wicked Knave schemes to steal the jam tarts.

With the help of the Duchess, a sassy Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, Alice must try to save Wonderland. Expect plenty of humour, audience interaction and a warm, festive atmosphere that feels very familiar to anyone who grew up with British panto.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For British and Irish expats, as well as visitors from other countries who are curious about UK traditions, this show is a fun way to experience a slice of British culture in the Algarve. The run-up to Christmas is traditionally panto season in the UK, and this production brings that same spirit to southern Portugal.

The show is designed as a family pantomime, so it is suitable for a wide age range, with colourful visuals and broad comedy that children can enjoy, plus plenty of jokes and references for adults. It is also a relaxed, sociable evening out, ideal if you are staying nearby and looking for things to do in the Algarve in November beyond the beach.

Because the production is put together by a local English-speaking theatre group, it is particularly welcoming for expats and digital nomads who may be looking for community events and English-language entertainment during the quieter autumn months.

What to expect at The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland

This Alice in Wonderland pantomime promises a full-scale community production, with over 60 people involved on and off stage. The show features:

• Unforgettable characters including Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Knave, the Duchess, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter.
• Colourful costumes created by Lynda Marshall, bringing the quirky world of Wonderland to life.
• Props and set pieces crafted by Emma Batten and a dedicated set-building team, with Wonderland constructed off-site in a warehouse before being installed at the theatre.
• Choreographed dance numbers by dance director Shelley Danca, performed by an ensemble of dancers.
• Musical numbers arranged by Shirley Devlin, adding songs and energy in classic panto style.

Behind the scenes, production manager Jenny Morris-Marks coordinates the many moving parts to keep everything running smoothly. With co-direction from Frank Remiatte and Angela Theobold, the aim is to deliver an evening of lively, good-natured entertainment.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

Alice in Wonderland is scheduled to run at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa on 19, 20 and 21 November, with evening performances at 7.30pm. There is also a matinée on Saturday 21 November. The year of this production is 2026.

If you are planning a trip specifically to see the show, it is sensible to double-check performance dates and times closer to November in case of any last-minute changes.

Tickets and prices

The event information provided does not include ticket prices or booking details. Ticket prices for The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland have not been announced in the data available here.

Before you go, check the organiser’s usual channels or local listings for up-to-date information on how to buy tickets and any concessions or group rates that may apply. Do not assume it is free entry unless clearly stated by the organisers.

Suitability and accessibility

The show is described as a family pantomime, which indicates it is suitable for children as well as adults. Panto typically includes some mild cheeky humour, but it is generally designed to be family-friendly.

Carlos do Carmo Auditorium is a modern venue in Lagoa. Specific accessibility details (such as step-free access or reserved seating) are not included in the event data, so if you have mobility needs it is best to confirm arrangements directly with the venue before attending.

How to get there

Lagoa sits in the central-western Algarve, inland from the coast and roughly between Portimão and Albufeira. It is well placed if you are staying in nearby resort areas such as Carvoeiro or Ferragudo.

The Carlos do Carmo Auditorium is located within Lagoa itself. The simplest way to reach the venue is usually by car or taxi, especially in the evening when public transport options may be limited. If you are flying into Faro and planning to explore the region by road, it can be helpful to compare car hire options at Faro Airport in advance.

Parking arrangements are not specified in the event information, but Lagoa generally has on-street and local parking areas. Allow extra time before the performance to find a space and walk to the auditorium.

Tips for making the most of your visit

• Arrive a little early to collect tickets, find your seats and settle in before the 7.30pm start.
• Bring a light layer, as theatre air conditioning can feel cool in the evening, even in the Algarve.
• Plan a simple dinner before or after the show in Lagoa or nearby coastal towns to turn it into a full night out.
• If you are travelling with children, explain the basics of pantomime (audience participation, call-and-response, booing the villain) so they can join in the fun.

Make a day of it in the Algarve

Seeing The Wonder of Panto in Wonderland is a great excuse to explore this part of the Algarve. You could spend the day on the nearby coast and then head to Lagoa for the evening performance. For more inspiration on how to fill your days before the show, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in the Algarve.

The Lagoa area is also close to some of the region’s most famous sea caves and cliffs, so you might like to combine your theatre trip with one of the popular Benagil cave boat tours during your stay.

Where to stay nearby

Lagoa itself makes a convenient base if you want to be close to the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium and keep evening journeys short. You will also find plenty of accommodation options in nearby coastal towns such as Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, which offer easy access to both the beach and Lagoa by car or taxi.

Staying in this central part of the Algarve works well if you plan to mix cultural events like this pantomime with day trips along the coast in either direction.