There’s so much more to Christmas theatre than panto – ‘Oh yes, there is!’ 🎭
From traditional ballet to classic tales reimagined, come in from the cold this Christmas and escape to another world. The UK’s capital offers unmatched theatrical experiences for the whole family – start a new tradition this festive season and catch one of these quality Christmas shows in London.
1. The Nutcracker
London Coliseum, 12th December 2024 – 12th January 2025
There’s nothing as traditionally festive as seeing this classical ballet during the Christmas season. The English National Ballet brings this all-new interpretation to the stage, combining exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes. Set in Edwardian London on Christmas Eve, Clara’s mother is hosting a lavish party while she is whisked away to another world unnoticed.
An encounter with an enchanted nutcracker doll finds her travelling to the Land of Sweets & Delights where the Sugar Plum Fairy throws a celebration in her honour. The English National Ballet Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.
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2. Christmas Carol by Jack Thorne
The Old Vic, 12th November 2024 – 7th January 2025
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Charles Dickens’ beloved story is injected with fresh, dynamic energy by acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne. Audiences are at the heart of the action as the auditorium is filled to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment for this unique staging. Stunning visuals and a soaring musical score bring Ebenezer Scrooge’s night of redemption to life! He’s visited by the spirits of Christmases past, present and future to learn the error of his miserly ways.
Director Matthew Warchus brings urgency, warmth and theatrical spectacle while staying true to the heart of Dickens’ timeless message of peace and goodwill to all.
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3. A Sherlock Carol
Marylebone Theatre, 29th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Following two sold-out runs, this festive mystery returns to the stage for its third Christmas. Set three Christmases after the infamous Reichenbach Falls, Sherlock Holmes has lost his taste for both mince pies and mystery. That’s until he meets a grown-up Tiny Tim Cratchit. Tim begs Holmes to investigate the mysterious death of his reformed benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge. Can Holmes use his legendary powers of deduction to solve the mystery and confront his own ghosts?
This festive tale blends Sherlockian intrigue with Dickensian magic for a thrilling holiday mystery, guaranteeing to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit.
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4. Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Lyric Theatre, 23rd November 2024 – 14th January 2025
Creators of the multi-award-winning sell-out success The Play That Goes Wrong bring Pan-demonium to the Lyric Theatre this Christmas. A play within a play, it follows members of the Cornley Drama Society as they attempt to stage J M Barry’s beloved classic for Christmas. Battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes, will they ever make it to Neverland?
Everything that can go wrong does, in a play combining riotous slapstick comedy, chaos, and holiday cheer. An uproarious treat for families and anyone in need of a festive, feel-good laugh.
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5. Back to the Future
Adelphi Theatre, until 22nd December 2024
Unless you have a time machine handy, this Christmas is your last chance to see this smash hit musical in the West End. An adaptation of the classic 1985 blockbuster, Back to the Future is the ultimate feel-good family show, packed with high-voltage tunes and incredible special effects. It follows Marty McFly as he’s transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Doc Brown. There, he meets his parents and accidentally changes the course of history!
Now, he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.
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6. Hansel and Gretel
Shakespeare’s Globe, 29th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage puts a contemporary spin on this Brothers Grimm classic to delight young audiences this Christmas. When their parents leave them in the woods, siblings Hansel and Gretel must find a way home. They get sidetracked by a trail of treats leading to a candy-covered cottage. But things aren’t as they initially seem and there could be more than meets the eye to the kind stranger who lives within.
This poetry-infused show was voted the Evening Standard’s 2023 Best Children’s Shows to Book at Christmas. Wrap up warm for this glittering outdoor musical Christmas treat.
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Kids Shows!
7. Stick Man
Bloomsbury Theatre, 4th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
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Stick Man lives in the family tree, with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three. Based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schiffler, Stick Man is the perfect introduction to theatre for small children. It follows Stick Man as his morning jog becomes a misadventure. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire!
How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Expect puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
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8. The Snowman
Peacock Theatre, 23rd November 2024 – 4th January 2025
It’s not Christmas until you’ve watched Raymond Briggs’s classic animation brought to life, and this year you can get even closer to the magic on stage. The Boy and his Snowman embark on a magical adventure far across the world. Together, they meet a host of woodland creatures, an assemblage of international Snowmen and even a dancing Pineapple.
Directed by Bill Alexander, it features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the timeless classic Walking in the Air, accompanied by a live orchestra. A truly magical Christmas family experience not to be missed.
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9. Beauty and the Beast
Richmond Theatre, 7th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
If you’re going to do panto then do panto right – in a London theatre with an all-star cast! Dame Maureen Lipman stars as Mrs Potty alongside comedy magician Pete Firman as Silly Billy.
Featuring spectacular special effects, beautiful costumes and scenery, the story follows Belle who finds herself captive in a cursed castle by a terrifying beast. Will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart? And will Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose?
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10. Pinocchio
Theatre Royal Stratford East, 23rd November 2024 – 5th January 2025
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Woodworker Geppetto longs for a son and, with the help of the magical Blue Fairy, his wish might just come true. This riotous Christmas panto is a funny reimagined take on the classic tale of the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, courage, and the consequences of his actions.
Blending enchanting storytelling with modern flair and pantomime humour, audiences follow Pinocchio on his journey of self-discovery. Filled with mischief, moral lessons, whimsical characters and a laugh a minute. Expect music, humour and heart.
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