With just under two weeks to go until Christmas day (we’re definitely not counting the hours until we can start scoffing our Christmas dinner), tis the season for festive shows! Here’s what not to miss this Christmas and New Year.

Cinderella

Hot off her RuPaul’s Drag Race UK success, third runner up and actual legend Baga Chipz is starring as the Wicked Stepmother in TuckShop’s fierce and funny drag makeover of the classic fairytale that is most certainly not suitable for children. Also featuring Britain’s Got Talent icon Sheila Simmonds and a full drag cast, hilarious hijinks are bound to be plentiful. 

Playing at Trafalgar Studios until 29 December

The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit

Following their blindingly good revival of Mame, the Hope Mill Theatre will be staging a Christmas classic, adapting Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but focusing on Tiny Tim in The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit. The show tells his story as he finds his place in Victorian London, encountering the iconic Scrooge and the other characters from the story along the way. As ever at the Hope Mill, their cosy space is sure to be filled full of infectious energy.

Playing at the Hope Mill Theatre until 29 December

Blood Orange

On Christmas Eve in Swansea, a Junior Doctor Amy has just vomited all over a colleague’s shoes. When assigned to a young boy with cancer Amy starts to reminisce (as we all seem to over the festive season) on her own childhood, and the pressure starts to build. Heart-warming but with a vein of dark comedy running through it, Blood Orange is a timely love letter to the NHS.

Playing at the Old Red Lion Theatre until 4 January

The Storm Whale

One for the little ones, Benji Davies’ enchanting stories of Noi, who lives with his Dad and six cats by the sea, are brought to the stage this winter by director and adaptor Matt Aston. When Noi rescues a little whale who is washed up on the beach after a storm, they form a friendship that changes their lives forever. This children’s story of bravery, friendship and love is a perfect Christmas tale.

Playing at the York Theatre Royal until 4 January

La Clique

Not particularly buzzing for Christmas? Not decking your halls with boughs of holly? La Clique have got you covered for the party season. A night of astonishing acrobatics, frightening fire-eaters and gentleman jugglers, this cheeky adult cabaret led by Mistress of Mayhem Bernie Dieter will definitely warm your cockles.

Playing at Leicester Square Spiegeltent until 4 January

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

What’s Christmas without the great traditional pantomime? Starring the inimitable Jo Brand and obligatory British reality telly stars like Jon Clegg, Richmond Theatre’s Snow White will have all the classic panto tropes; big song and dance numbers, colourful costumes and stunning sets. He’s behind you!

Playing at the Richmond Theatre until 5 January.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Another anti-Christmas pick, Neil Gaiman’s (creator of Good Omens, the epic American Gods, Coraline, and Stardust) The Ocean at the End of the Lane brings dark fantasy to the National Theatre whilst following the story of Alex as he returns to his hometown in Sussex. An unsettling and thrilling adventure, more magical worlds plucked from Gaiman’s imagination are sure to excite.

Playing at the National Theatre until 25 January

Gypsy

In the city centre, the Royal Exchange will be lighting up the dark nights with some bright Broadway flair in their production of Gypsy, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. This musical follows Louisa and June who are suddenly thrust into showbusiness by their gregarious mother, testing their dreams and ambitions as they grow up. It promises to be a hugely entertaining and vibrant show to fill you with Christmas cheer to last the festive period.

Playing at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester until 25 January

What are you looking forward to seeing this Winter? Leave a comment below or let us know via Twitter @ayoungertheatre. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!