Never have we looked forward more to a Christmas theatre outing, hopefully combined with lunch or early supper before or after. Here are some suggestions for all the family. Crossing fingers and toes!
Dancing shoes
The best availability for a cultural Christmas treat is for dance lovers. All these are ages 5+.
The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet is at Covent Garden 11 Dec–3 Jan. General booking opens on 1 December so make a note. There will still be a Christmas tree! (Booking also opens on 1 Dec for the ROH's Christmas Concerts, 18–20 Dec, ages 5+.)
The Coliseum has cancelled its festive Nutcracker but in its place is running a concert format Nutcracker Delights 17 Dec–3 Jan. 75 mins with no interval and will include highlights from the ballet. Click here to book.
The Little Match Girl is at Sadlers Wells 17-27 Dec. Surprisingly good availability. Ages 5+
Three Scrooges
There are three versions of A Christmas Carol this year (one sadly not live).
The Old Vic is live streaming its atmospheric, festive joy of a show. Hoping they can keep their ensemble carol bells. Andrew Lincoln is Scrooge. Ages 8+.
We are hugely looking forward to seeing Simon Russell-Beale as Scrooge at the Bridge Theatre. It runs 3 Dec–16 Jan and is suitable for ages 6+. There is a fiendish booking system where you have to click into a picture of the stage for each show but there is some decent availability before Christmas.
Last up, a musical version runs at the Dominion Theatre. Broadway score, West End cast including Brian Conley as Scrooge. 7 Dec–2 Jan.
For Little Ones
Hats off to the Rose Theatre Kingston who were about the first theatre to announce they were going to re-open. Julia Donaldson's Stick Man takes up residence there from 10 Dec–3 Jan. Ages 3+.
Tell Father Christmas what you want in person at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith from 3–24 Dec. Dear Santa is a live show based on Rod Campbell's festive book and is suitable for ages 2+.
Heading north, artsdepot has Breaking the Ice from 19–31 Dec. The true story of an unlikely friendship between a husky and a wild polar bear. Ages 3–7.
Pantos
The Lyric Hammermith's Dick Whittington has moved to the National Theatre. It opens on 11 December but is completely sold out until the New Year. There is limited January availablity. Tickets from £20.
Potted Panto is at the Garrick from 5 Dec–10 Jan. 7 classic pantos in 70 minutes.
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