Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit quite like a festive children’s show. And London is packed with them! From musicals to pantomimes and even snow shows, the capital has it all. Here is our pick of the best for 2014:
1. Antarctica at Battersea Arts Centre
Running from the 2nd of December to the 4th of January, Antarctica promises to be an exhilarating show for young children. Staged by the Little Bulb Theatre, who also performed A Christmas Carol on CBeebies, Antarctica is all about exploration. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to meet perky penguins, gorgeous sea lions and naughty birds through the use of song, puppetry and plenty of snow. Antarctica is an interactive show that will zoom you and your kids to the South Pole and back. Not to be missed!
2. Edward Scissorhands at Sadler’s Wells
Ballet performance
Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands is a ballet like no other. This totally up-to-date retelling of Tim Burton’s classic film is a treat for the whole family (even the ones that would normally moan at going to the ballet!). It runs from the 2nd of December to the 11th of January. But be warned: once you see one Matthew Bourne production, you’re bound to be hooked.
3. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Rose Theatre Kingston
A little further afield, at The Rose Theatre in Kingston, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe promises to be a delightful family show telling the classic Christmas story of Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter and their adventures in Narnia. Director Theresa Heskins, also artistic director of the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire, has cast several local children, making this show a brilliant piece of community theatre at an impressively professional level. Running from the 30th of November to the 4th of January, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is worth a visit outside Central London. And a Kingston Travelodge makes a perfect riverside base for your London break.
4. Slava’s Snow Show at the Southbank Centre
The global hit returns to the Southbank Centre for a magical performance all about snow. Slava’s Snow Show is the king of Christmas shows and will have even the grumpiest audience member filled with joy. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this is a beautiful work of performance art, exquisitely mastered by Slava and his troupe of clowns. You can catch them from the 17th of December to the 5th of January. Prepare to be snow-dazzled as you’re plunged into the fairytale Christmas spirit.
London is a great place to take a Christmas break as there are zonks of kids’ Yuletide activities that won’t bore the adults. Stay in a London Travelodge for complete comfort and ease of travelling, so you can stay in the Christmas mood.
