Jamie BodyThe John Lewis advert has hit our screens, mince pies are stocked in every supermarket, the Regent Street Christmas lights are up and Winter Wonderland is open; Christmas 2015 is now in full swing.
London has a whole host of christmas cheer to be immersed in and what better way to get into the holiday spirit then to take a loved one, friend or family member to the theatre. Here is a list of just a few festive shows that London and the UK has to offer.
Elf the Musical makes its West End debut this year setting up its winter grotto at the Dominion Theatre until 2 January. Based on the hilarious movie from 2003 staring Will Farrell and Zooey Deschanel, Elf the Musical stars Ben Foster and Kimberley Walsh, and along with a very talented cast Elf is brought to life in central London. With some mild changes from the movie we still see Buddy the Elf travelling to Manhattan from the North Pole to find his biological father. Sure to entertain the whole family, this all dancing all singing christmas explosion is certain to put you in the festive spirit.
The Snowman returns to London this Christmas at the Sadler’s Wells theatre. A stage adaptation of the Raymond Briggs Festive Story, it plays from 26 November till 4 January. A beautiful fusion of live music and dance, this is a great show for all the family and will be sure to amaze you with its magical costumes and set.
Jim Broadbent graces the stage in the new adaptation of the Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol. You can see the Academy Award winner Broadbent as Ebenezer Scrooge from 30 November until 30 January. Such an iconic Christmas story on London’s doorstep. I am sure everyone has seen at least one TV or film version of A Christmas Carol and with one of Britain’s acting treasures why not jump online and check out tickets.
If you fancy something different why not check out Slava’s Snow Show. A somewhat immersive show that has graced the stage in over 80 cities, is now taking up home at the Royal Festival Hall. Slava’s Snow Show is a fusion of traditional and contemporary theatrical clowning arts and transports the audience into a fantasy dream-like world. A visually spectacular show aimed more at the younger generation but I am sure it will have more enough festive fun to wow the adults in the audience.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong?
Pantomime is a staple in the English festive season but have you heard of Peter Pan Goes Wrong? A unconventional pantomime brought to you by the creatives of The Play that goes Wrong, and gaining great views as the company lend their hand at a stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan. Once again the members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes trying to make it to Neverland and stage their production of Peter Pan. The Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue is where this comedic tragedy takes place, staring some of the original cast from the Play that goes Wrong the show lasts 2 hours 5min and is until 31 January.
The Royal Albert Hall in partnership with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Raymon Gubbay present The Nutcracker on Ice. Returning for it’s third season The Nutcracker on Ice is only running for a special 12 performance stint. Taking this classic christmas story and putting it on 4,000 square feet of ice, the show takes place on Christmas Eve where a toy Nutcracker comes to life, sweeping young girl (and the audience) to a world of wonder and enchantment.
Outside of London…
A Miracle on 34th Street
Santa’s sleigh reaches a bit further then just London, A Miracle on 34th Street is currently touring the UK spreading its christmas cheer until 28 December. Another screen to stage production, A Miracle on 34th Street is based on the 1947 movie, which was later remade 1994. Exploring the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus, this wholesome family show is sure to warm everyones heart and leave you feeling fuzzy inside. Directed by Max Reynolds, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson and choreography by Russell Smith and Philip Joel.
Pitlochry is having a White Christmas this year indeed, as the show, based on Irving Berlin’s movie, graces the Scottish stage from 27 November till 27 December. A timeless movie made into a equally beautifully show, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two ex-army pals as they team up with a pair of sisters to put on a show to save a remote Vermont ski lodge that’s fallen on hard times.
Staying in Scotland but with a show specifically designed for children we have White. Two friends living in a completely white world find their daily repetitive routine shaken when colour starts to fall from the sky. Appearing at the Traverse Theatre Edinburgh from 12 Dec until the 24.
If you want to keep it more traditional there are pantomimes all over the country and some starring your favourite TV personalities. So make sure to get into the full festive spirit, after all tis the season to jolly, and check out what is playing in a theatre near you.