Elf | The Dominion Theatre London : All Ages
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Starring the winner of ITV’s Superstar Ben Forster as Buddy the Elf and Girls Aloud‘s Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, the production will also feature Joe McGann as Walter Hobbs and Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs. They will be joined by Jennie Dale as Deb, Mark McKerracher as Santa and Graham Lappin as Store Manager. Further casting is yet to be announced.
Ticket Prices range from £30.00 to £240.00* *All tickets include a £1.25 restoration levyand a per ticket booking fee of £3.30 up to £15.00, dependent on the ticket face value, is applicable to online & telephone bookings only. There are no fees when buying in person at the theatre’s box office.
Not all prices are available on all performances; prices vary according to availability. For parties of 10 or more, please visit their groups page
Town Hall Cherubs : Age 2-5 : Battersea Arts Centre
Fallen from his place in the sky, a sleepy cherub needs your help to find his way home….
Follow his garland through Battersea Arts Centre’s beautiful old rooms and discover what makes this old Town Hall so magical in a tender journey with surprises along the way. With hidden rooms to explore and play in, children are encouraged to take part. Lively adventurers don’t have to sit still!
Running Time: approx 60 mins, To book for the BSL performances, please email boxoffice@bac.org.uk or call 020 7223 2223. Limited capacity so early booking is recommended. Please note that both adults and children require a ticket
For Older Adventurers: Mr Mountford’s Kaleidoscopic Christmas
Older siblings aged 6-9 can go on their own fully-supervised adventure in Mr Mountford’s Kaleidoscopic Christmas while little ones and grown-ups enjoy Town Hall Cherubs. Mr Mountford’s Kaleidoscopic Christmas is just £3 when booked with Town Hall Cherubs. Simply put a child ticket for both performances in your basket and the discount will apply automatically. Advance booking is essential due to limited spaces.
Beauty Baby : Polka Theatre : Ages 3-6
Welcome to the playfully yucky world of Beasty Baby. Mayhem and laughter await around every corner as three people embark on a wild adventure to bring up a very mischievous and totally lovable child.
Beasty Baby is a lively celebration of family, growing up and the rituals both children and adults go through in those extraordinary early years of life. Using an inspired mix of puppetry and live music the renowned Theatre-Rites transform Polka’s Adventure Theatre to create a funny and magical shared experience.
Join us for a spirited, wintry tale for everyone who is wild at heart. You might even discover your inner beast…
Tickets ; £12 for adults and children | Concessions £9 ; (£1.50 transaction charge per booking) : Concessions are available by calling the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 for those registered unemployed or receiving benefits, includes Pension Credits.
Red Riding Hood : Ages 5+ : Greenwich Theatre
Andrew Pollard marks his tenth pantomime at Greenwich Theatre with a spectacular take on the classic fairy tale…
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There could not be a better part for Andrew Pollard as he celebrates a decade of Greenwich Theatre pantomimes than the grandmother beset by a wolf, protected by a woodcutter, and loved by Red Riding Hood – expect stunning special effects, high octane singing and dancing, and a side-splitting script as we celebrate the festive season in style.
Prices:Adults £29 (£28 ticket plus £1 booking fee) & Concs £20 (£19 ticket plus £1 booking fee) & All children’s tickets half price! Running time:Approx 2hr 20mins including one interval
The Giraffe and The Pelly and Me : Little Angel Theatre : Ages 4-11 (3+ admitted too, see website for baby performances )
The Little Angels’ beloved musical spectacular returns this Christmas. Adapted from the acclaimed book by Roald Dahl, this is the story about a young boy who befriends a Giraffe, a Pelican (or “Pelly”) and a Monkey. Join them on their unexpected adventures when they create the ‘Ladderless Window Cleaning Company’. This joyous musical show is brought to life by the creative team behind Little Angel favourites including ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ and ‘The Mouse Queen’. You’ll be singing the songs all the way home.
Tickets ; £14 / £12 children and concessions : Family ticket offer: £48 (2 adults, 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children) Friday Fives: all tickets £5 for shows at 5pm on Friday : £1.80 booking fee applies to all card transactions (no fee for members – click here for details)
Matilda the Musical : The Cambridge Theatre : Ages 6+ advised : Ends 29 May 2016
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Tickets ; Prices start from £25, check online. Note this is a top level West End Show, so if you want good seats you will need to pay. If you see anything this one is the one to splash out for, it’s unmissable – pinky promise.
The Railway Children : Goods Way, Kings Cross : All Ages
Set in a brand new, purpose built 1,000 seat venue, this breathtaking show features a stage built around a real train track, and a beautiful 60 tonne vintage locomotive that steams into the theatre to delight all ages. A truly unique theatrical experience, The Railway Children returns to London after winning the Olivier Award for BEST ENTERTAINMENT in its previous home at Waterloo. Don’t miss your chance to join Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on the adventure of a lifetime as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children.Nutcracker Christmas Gala : English National Ballet (one Show only 17 Dec at 3pm) : London Coliseum : All ages
Join English National Ballet and Chelsea Ballet Schools for a magical afternoon of Christmas entertainment throughout the London Coliseum at the Nutcracker Christmas Gala!Step into the enchanted world of ballet with a glass of mulled wine, mince pies and festive fun, before sitting back to watch a spectacular adaptation of Nutcracker, performed by the talented students of Chelsea Ballet Schools alongside English National Ballet dancers. The unmissable Nutcracker Christmas Gala promises to be a wonderful afternoon of family festivity, with the chance to support aspiring young talent along the way.In buying tickets for the Nutcracker Christmas Gala, you will support English National Ballet, a world-class ballet company, renowned for its creative excellence, innovative collaborations and engaging ways of honouring and enhancing traditional ballet. English National Ballet exists to bring ballet to the widest possible audience by touring throughout the UK and beyond. Their mission is to keep ballet alive and relevant to future generations by creating new work, developing new talent and reaching new audiences.
Tickets ; 17 Dec 2015 perfs at 15:00 – 17:00 : tickets are £100 each, not many left – all for a good cause.
FAIRYTALE VILLAINS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE…Book and Lyrics by Nancy Harris & Marc Teitler (music and lyrics)
The Snow Child : Unicorn Theatre ; Ages Nursery to year 2 (up to age 7)
A WINTRY TALE FULL OF WARMTH THIS CHRISTMAS. By Valentina Ceschi and Thomas Eccleshare
Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who loved one another dearly, and although they were content and lived happily, there was just one thing they longed for: a child of their own. So one cold, white winter’s day, they sculpt a daughter out of snow and something magical and extraordinary happens.This beautiful and inventive show by award-winning company Dancing Brick will transport you into the wintry world of this gorgeous Russian folktale.
Frozen in Concert : Royal Albert Hall ; All Ages
The World Premiere of Frozen in Concert sees a full orchestra accompany this beloved winter warmer on the world’s most famous stage.
From Do You Want to Build a Snowman? to Love Is an Open Door and Fixer Upper, all of these classic numbers will be heard as never before… and the famous auditorium’s roof is sure to be raised when the chorus and full orchestra Let it Go. Frozen is the highest-grossing Disney film of all time, having made over $1 billion at the box office, and drew rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, while scooping two Oscars, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will be conducted by David Firman, with a chorus from the Maida Vale Singers.
Tickets ; Varied prices check online
Raymond Briggs Father Christmas’ : Lyric, Hammersmith : Under 6’s
The Lyric’s beloved production for young children returns for the fourth year. Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas has become a must-see Christmas show for families, especially as a great introductory theatre experience for young children.
Follow Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. This timeless festive story bursts into life with live music, playful puppets and a magical set.
All tickets £10
The Nutcracker on Ice : Royal Albert Hall : All Ages
International ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars return for a third triumphant season to 4,000 square feet of ice at the Royal Albert Hall, for 12 performances only. As midnight strikes on a magical Christmas Eve, a toy Nutcracker comes to life, sweeping young Marie to a world of enchantment where she meets the Mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Set against a backdrop of colourful projections, opulent costumes, magic tricks and special effects, the cast of World, European and National Championship-level skaters dance to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score performed by a live orchestra.
Tickets ; Varied prices, check online / Dates: Monday 28 December 2015 – Saturday 2 January 2016 / Doors: 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 4:15pm, 6:15pm / Starts: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm
Ben Hur : The Tricycle Theatre : Ages 10+
The Tricycle Theatre in association with Fiery Angel and The Watermill Theatre presents
The team behind the Olivier and Tony award-winning comedy The 39 Steps are BACK with a sensational, awe-inspiring and unforgettable staging of General Lew Wallace’s timeless classic Ben Hur.
The greatest book ever penned is brought to the stage by a towering team of just four actors, turning the Tricycle stage into one of the most authentic versions of ancient Rome ever seen.
Complete with stunning combat (featuring the latest 3D technology), a 103% bona fide chariot race (with REAL CHARIOTS), an authentic sea battle (with REAL WATER) and a decadent and UNEXPURGATED Roman orgy (suitable for all ages), Ben Hur is the perfect winter tonic guaranteed to stir your very soul.
Tickets ; DATES : Thu 19 Nov 2015 – Sat 9 Jan 2016 : Performance times during Christmas Holidays and New Year vary, please see calendar below for full schedule TICKETS: £12 – £28 : Evening Performances at 7.30pm : Matinees: Wed 2pm (from 2 Dec), Sat 3pm (from 28 Nov) : Concessions available on all performances : £2 Off matinees for Over 60s
Disney in Concert Alice in Wonderland : Royal Albert Hall ; All ages
Experience Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning 2010 fantasy film Alice in Wonderland on the big screen in the glorious surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall, with Danny Elfman’s magical score being performed simultaneously by a live orchestra and choir. This high-definition screening with live orchestral and choral accompaniment from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the Maida Vale Singers and the Cardinal Vaughan School Schola Cantorum, all conducted by John Mauceri, will bring the record-breaking film to life in an incredible feast for the eyes, ears and heart, captivating an audience of all ages.
Tickets ; Saturday 12 December 2015 & Doors: 1:45pm, 6:15pm & Starts: 2:30pm, 7:00pm
A Christmas Carol : Noël Coward Theatre | Delfont Mackintosh Theatres : Ages 10+
Academy Award-winning actor Jim Broadbent makes his long-awaited return to the stage to play Scrooge in a new version of A Christmas Carol adapted by Patrick Barlow from Charles Dickens’ classic story of greed, grief, ghoulish ghosts and eleventh hour redemption. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Patrick Barlow’s imaginative adaptation of A Christmas Carol will bring some of Dickens’ most memorable characters to life at the Noël Coward Theatre this winter. Jim Broadbent will be joined by an exciting group of performers, to be announced shortly.
A Christmas Carol is directed by Olivier Award-winning Phelim McDermott, Artistic Director of Improbable, one of Britain’s most inventive theatre companies, and who is responsible for the iconic production Shockheaded Peter.
Ticket Info; 30th November 2015 – 30th January 2016 | Previews 30th November – 8th December 2015
I Want My Hat Back : National Theatre : Suitable for ages 3+
I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen, with book and lyrics by Joel Horwood and music by Arthur Darvill, plays in the Temporary Theatre from 12 November until 2 January. It will be directed by Wils Wilson and designed by Fly Davis, with lighting by Beky Stoddart and sound by Joel Price. Jon Klassen’s brilliant, witty book was published in 2011, and has fast become a modern children’s classic. I Want My Hat Back now comes to the stage in a joyous new adaptation stuffed with humour, music and surprises.
Bear’s hat is gone. He loves his hat. He wants it back. He asks all of the animals in the forest, but no one has seen it. WAIT! He has seen it somewhere…
Tickets £12 & £15 (£10 under 18yrs) General ticket information : Runs from 16 November until 2 January.
Sleeping Beauty, Sadlers Wells, 1 Dec 2015 – 24 Jan 2016 (All ages)
Matthew Bourne’s haunting new scenario is a gothic romance for all ages; the traditional tale of good vs. evil and rebirth is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. The story begins in 1890 at the christening of Princess Aurora, a time when fairies and vampires fed the public imagination, before moving forwards in time to the modern day, a world more mysterious than any fairy story!
There are post show talks as well; on Tuesday 8 December, Alistair Spalding in conversation with artistic director and choreographer, Matthew Bourne. BSL interpreted. Free to same day ticket holders. and on Tuesday 12 January
With members of the cast hosted by Matthew Bourne. Free to same day ticket holders.
The Lorax : The Old Vic : Ages 6+
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, The Lorax tells of a moustachioed and cantankerous critter who’s on a mission to protect the earth from the greedy, tree-chopping, Thneed-knitting businessman known only as The Once-ler.
Adapted by David Greig and brought to the stage by acclaimed director Max Webster (James And The Giant Peach, To Kill A Mockingbird, Twelfth Night), The Lorax blends theatrical invention, songs and zany humour in a timely and vibrant Christmas show with a message that will speak to audiences of all ages.
Ticket Info: Thu 3 Dec 2015 – Sat 16 Jan 2016 Performances at 3pm & 7pm.Captioned Performance: Thu 17 Dec 7pm Audio Described Performance: Thu 7 Jan 7pm, touch tour 5.30pm TICKETS: £12, £16, £21, £30, £50, £60 For information regarding Premium Seats please call the box office : Ages 14 and under, 50% off tickets priced at £60 and £50 (excluding Fri and Sat eves). Click here for full concessions
Beauty and the Beast : Polka Theatre : Ages 6-12
Meet two sisters who couldn’t be more different. Cassandra is as feisty as Belle is timid, but when their father’s life is threatened by a fearsome Beast, it is Belle who comes to the rescue. Follow her courageous journey to the Beast’s mysterious castle where she must overcome her fears and discover the true meaning of beauty. But can a single kiss set her prince free?
The enchanting children’s classic comes to life this winter in an exhilarating Polka show brimming with adventure, music, magic and mystery.
Tickets
After-Show Talk Sun 6 Dec, 2.30pm : Audio Described Performance Sun 13 Dec, 11am : Relaxed Performance Sun 13 Dec, 2.30pm : BSL Performance Sat 9 Jan, 11am
Goodnight Mister Tom : Duke of York’s Theatre, 11 December 2015 – 20 February 2016 (Age 8+)
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Michelle Magorian’s much loved children’s classic, Chichester Festival Theatre’s Olivier award-winning production of Goodnight Mister Tom returns to the West End just in time for Christmas. Set during the dangerous build up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and forges a remarkable and heart-warming friendship with the elderly recluse, Tom Oakley, played by David Troughton. All is perfect until William is suddenly summoned by his mother back to London.
Ticket Info: PERFORMANCE TIMES Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm, Wed*, Thu & Sat mats at 2.30pm : Tue 22 Dec & Tue 29 Dec at 2.30pm *Except Wed 20 Jan, Wed 27 Jan, Wed 3 Feb, Wed 10 Feb at 1.30pm : TICKET PRICES from £15
Peppa Pig’s Surprise will play from 18th Dec- 17th Jan at the same theatre as above as for Goodnight Mister Tom. (more details to follow)
Daddy Pig and Mr Potato : Production images by Dan Tsantilis from Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tour 2013 & 2014
The Lyric Hammersmith‘s Cinderella pantomime is back this Christmas ready to wow audiences once again, and this year it looks like it’s got a modern twist. Set in modern-day London, and of course featuring a lost glittery pink Converse, this year’s Cinderella panto is shaping up to be the coolest kids show in town.
The Lyric Hammersmith have recently made a triumphant return to the London theatre scene after significant refurbishments with their celebrated production of Bugsy Malone, a kids’ show with a kick which has real appeal for all ages. We have a feeling that that this unique take on a traditional Christmas panto will do just the same.
Tickets, follow the link above
Fantastic cast announced! The Olivier-Award winning Grand Dame of panto Clive Rowe is back and he’ll be joined by fellow Olivier nominee, The Bodyguard’s Debbie Kurup.
Following our record breaking 2014 hit Mother Goose, which was seen by over 50,000 people, this year’s show will be packed with every element of fabulousness that audiences have come to expect from London’s No.1 pantomime
Dates: 21 Nov 2015 – 3 Jan 2016 : Price(s): £ 34.50 – £ 10 (plus £1 per ticket online, £1.25 per ticket over the phone).
Slavas Snow Show, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank (Ages 8+, no under 3’s permitted)
Having spent the last twenty years touring over eighty cities, it’s safe to say that this spectacularly theatrical performance is a world favourite of Christmas shows, having won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. The comedy should appeal to all ages, and the visuals are magical, certainly different to the colourful British panto’s we all know and love. So if you’re looking for something different to do this Christmas, book Slava’s Snow Show soon to make sure you don’t miss out!
Creative Bus Stop 