Fangtastic fun awaits: Derry to host first-ever Halloween pantomime

This Halloween, the stage at the iconic St Columb’s Hall will come alive in spooktacular fashion with ‘Freddy’s Lost His Fangs’, Derry’s first-ever Halloween pantomime!

The must-see family show takes place from October 28-31 and follows young vampire Freddy on a chaotic adventure to find his missing teeth, with plenty of laughs, songs and surprises along the way.

Children in the audience will have the chance to be right in the heart of the action as they help Freddy on his hapless fang-finding journey.

One of Freddy’s sidekicks on this quest is his Great Granda Vlad, a 472-year-old vampire who’s been doing some detective work of his own. Ahead of the pantomime’s debut, Vlad visited six local primary schools across Derry, treating pupils to interactive storytelling sessions and chilling activity books to spark their imaginations.

The pantomime comes from the creative team that terrified and delighted audiences in the past with The Black Hall and The Well to Hell, both of which return to Derry’s Halloween celebrations in 2025.

Great Granda Vlad, a character from Freddy’s Lost His Fangs, entertaining pupils at Oakgrove Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School.

Jonathan Burgess, writer of Freddy’s Lost His Fangs, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring a Halloween pantomime to Derry for the very first time. The city is renowned for putting on one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world, and we wanted to capture that spirit on stage and give families something brand new to enjoy together.

“Pantomime is all about the audience, especially the children, and I can’t wait to see them shouting, singing and helping Freddy find his fangs. We hope this becomes a regular feature of Derry’s Halloween celebrations moving forward.”

READ NEXT: Derry's Horizons groups mark incredible 18-month leadership journey

Freddy’s Lost His Fangs is suitable for all ages, with four performances taking place each day between October 28-31. Shows will last around 40 minutes, with a sensory-friendly performance on October 29 at 1.00pm.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit theblackhall.co.uk.

Freddy’s Lost His Fangs - Dates: Tuesday, October 28 – Friday, October 31. Location: St Columb's Hall, BT48 6EB. Suitable for all ages.

Showtimes (Please note the duration for each show is 40 minutes): Tuesday, October 28: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm; Wednesday, October 29: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm (Sensory-friendly showing at 1pm); Thursday, October 30: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm; Friday, October31 : 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.

The Black Hall: The Experience - Dates: Tuesday, October 28 – Friday, October 31. Location: St Columb's Hall, BT48 6EB. Suitable for ages 10+.

Event times: Tuesday, October 28: 6:00pm – 11:00pm; Wednesday, October 29: 6:00pm – 11:00pm; Thursday, October 30: 6:00pm – 11:00pm; Friday, October 31: 6:00pm – 11:00pm

The Well to Hell - Dates: Tuesday, October 28 – Friday, October 31. Location: Shipquay Place. The container will be located next to the Peace Garden, opposite the Guildhall. Suitable for ages 14+.

Event times: Tuesday, October 28: 3:00pm – 10:00pm; Wednesday, October 29: 3:00pm – 10:00pm; Thursday, October 30: 3:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday, October 31: 12:00pm – 10:00pm