Mama Goose at Theatre Royal Stratford East [Mark Senior]

PANTOS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A HORNY LOVE STORY
Adult-panto queens He’s Behind You! return with a ridiculous version of the 18th greatest love story ever told. In the frostbitten Scottish village of Lickmanochers, Mummy’s boy Bertie becomes the prisoner of an aristocratic brute.
Charing Cross Theatre
The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N
charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/
08444 930 650. Various times, to Jan 11. Adults only

CINDERELLA
Prepare to see the classic rags to riches tale come to life in Hackney, directed by Clive Rowe, and featuring extravagant costumes, audience participation and song and dance.
Hackney Empire
Mare Street, Hackney, E8
hackneyempire.co.uk/
020 8985 2424. Tues-Sun, various times, to Dec 31

CINDERELLA AND THE MATZO BALL
The Prince of Kosher Kingdom requests your presence at the Matzo Ball! Put on your classiest outfit, your glassiest slippers, and join us for a festive family panto for all ages.
JW3 Jewish Community Centre
341-351 Finchley Road, NW3
jw3.org.uk/ 020 7433 8988. Mon-Sun (not Fri), various times, Dec 7-Jan 4 with a performance on Dec 25

CINDERELLA – THE ELDERS PANTO
Originally written by Janet Locke, an 89-year-old member of the Church Street Elders Drama Group, Cinderella has been joyfully reimagined for a community cast of grannies. Part improvi­sation and part play.
Cockpit Theatre
Gateforth Street, NW8
thecockpit.org.uk/ 020 7258 2925. 7pm, Dec 20 & 3.30pm, Dec 21.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Beloved rascal Jack is back in Hammersmith with live music, dance and whip-smart comedy.
Lyric Hammersmith
Lyric Square, King Street, W6
lyric.co.uk/
020 8741 6850. Mon-Sun, various times, to Jan 4

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Young milkman Jack finds himself thrust into the limelight when his mum’s dairy farm, Angel Delight on Udder Street is threatened by a greedy giant. Jack is determined to do battle. But can he persuade the townsfolk of Islington that he’s up to the job?
King’s Head Theatre
Islington Square, 116 Upper St, N1
kingsheadtheatre.com/
0207 226 8561. Various times, to Jan 4. Age 3 +

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – Adults only
Islington’s favourite panto gets naughty! Take a wild ride on Jack’s beanstalk in this scanda­lous version of the family show, complete with special guest stars.
King’s Head Theatre
Islington Square, 116 Upper St, N1
kingsheadtheatre.com/
0207 226 8561. 7pm, Dec 4, 6, 11, 18, 23, 30. 6pm Sats: Dec 6, 13, 20, 27 & Jan 3. Adults Only

MAMA GOOSE
Stratford East pantos are famous for telling classic stories with an East Lon­don twist. Join local lass Mama Goose and her mag­ical golden-egg-laying goose this holiday season.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Gerry Raffles Square, E15
stratfordeast.com/ 020 8534 0310. Tues-Sat, various times, to Jan 3

POTTED PANTO
A fun-filled tour through the best-loved characters from the world of panto, our dastardly double act dash from rubbing Alad­din’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whitting­ton’s London and ensuring Cinderella gets to the ball.
Wilton’s Music Hall
1 Graces Alley, Shadwell, E1
wiltons.org.uk/ 020 7702 2789. Various times, to Jan 3

RAPUNZEL
The wicked sorceress Rubella has taken over the kingdom of Stokeyville. In a race against the clock, it’s up to Rapunzel and her friends to break the spell.
The Tower Theatre
16 Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, N16.
020 7353 1700
towertheatre.org.uk/ Weds-Sun, various times, Dec 10-20

RAPUNZEL AND THE REVENGERS
Join Rapunzel and her luscious long locks in an epic showdown against The Revengers, led by the wickedly glamorous Mother G. Locked away in her tower, Rapunzel dreams of escape and a life beyond her prison.
Millfield Theatre
Silver Street, Edmonton, N18
millfieldtheatre.co.uk/ 020 8807 6680. Various times, to Dec 30

SLEEPING BEAUTY
This is the 10th anniver­sary of panto at the Palladium panto, and stars Catherine Tate, Julian Clary and impressionist Jon Culshaw.
London Palladium
Argyll Street, W1F
lwtheatres.co.uk/
020 7087 7747. Mon-Sun, various times, Dec 6-Jan 11

WICKED WITCHES PANTO – For adults
A drag-cabaret mash-up of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Twenty years after that fateful trip over the rainbow, Dor is dragged back to the Borough of Oz-lington by a surprise snowstorm. A high-energy panto bursting with pop song parodies and festive filth, and a special on-screen appear­ance from Jeremy Corbyn as the Wizard of Oz-lington and Sir Ian McKellen as Toto the Dog.
Pleasance Theatre
5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7. www.pleasance.co.uk/
020 7609 1800 Mon-Sat, 7.30pm various dates, to Dec 22, Age 18+

WICKED WITCHES – a popular panto!
Also at the Pleasance, for family audiences, follow the Yellow Brick (Caledonian) Road for a panto mash-up of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Dor returns to the borough of Oz-lington, to find Christmas is on thin ice. Teaming up with Scarecrow, Lion and the shiny new Tin 2.0, Dor sets out on a feel-good adventure full of courage, individuality and acceptance. With on-screen appear­ance from Jeremy Corbyn as the Wizard of Oz-lington and Sir Ian McKellen as Toto the Dog
Pleasance Theatre
5 Carpenters Mews, North Rd, N7
https://www.­pleasance.co.uk/
020 7609 1800 Mon-Sat, 7.30pm various dates, to Dec 28. Age 5+

FAMILY AND OTHER FESTIVE SHOWS

BALLET SHOES
This festive family show about three sisters pursuing their passions is the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book, adapted by Kendall Feaver.
Olivier, National Theatre
South Bank, SE1
nationaltheatre.org.uk/
020 3989 5455. Mon-Sat, various times, to Feb 21. Age 8 +

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
Experience the warmth of the season as a live string quartet performs holiday classics and music from festive films like Love Actually and Home Alone.
The Actors’ Church
St Pauls Church
Bedford Street, WC2E
actorschurch.org/ 4pm, 6pm & 8pm Dec 13, 18, 30 & 23.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Matthew Warchus’s acclaimed production of Dickens’ tale, adapted by Jack Thorne, is packed with mince pies, music and merriment. Paul Hilton stars as Scrooge.
Old Vic Theatre
The Cut, Lambeth, SE1
oldvictheatre.com/
0344 871 7628. Mon-Sun, various times, to Jan 10, Age 8+

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY
Mark Gatiss’s spine-chilling retelling of Dickens’ winter ghost story stars Neil Morrissey as Jacob Marley and Matthew Cottle as Scrooge.
Alexandra Palace Theatre
Alexandra Palace Way, N22
alexandrapalace.com/
020 8365 4343. Various times,
to Jan 4

A CHRISTMAS CAROL GOES WRONG
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back, brimming with chaos as they take on the treasured festive classic: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Apollo Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D
theapollotheatre.co.uk/ 0330 333 4815 Various times, to Jan 25

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – AS TOLD BY JACOB MARLEY (DECEASED)
Adapted and performed by James Hyland, we learn how three magical spirits opened Scrooge’s eyes and made him realise the true value of love and forgiveness.
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village, N6
Upstairsatthegatehouse.com
020 8340 3488. 7.30pm, Dec 15 and 22

CHRISTMAS COMES TO MOOMINVALLEY
In this adaptation of Tove Jansson’s classic tale, the Moomins are woken from their winter sleep to be told that “Christmas” is coming. The only trouble is, they have no idea who, or what, “Christmas” is…
Jacksons Lane Theatre
69a Archway Road, N6
jacksonslane.org.uk/
020 8340 5226. Tues-Sun, various times, to Dec 5-Jan 4. Age 3+

CHRISTMAS DAY
In an abandoned building somewhere above the Northern Line, with foxes prowling the deserted streets, a Jewish family gathers on Christmas Day. Sam Grabiner’s play is about identity, belonging, and the rituals we perform with the people we love.
Almeida Theatre
Almeida Street, N1
almeida.co.uk/
020 7359 4404. Mon-Sat, 7.30pm, 2pm mats, Dec 9-Jan 8

CHRISTMAS SHOWS at the ETCETERA
Various festive shows including, A Very Camp Christmas, Ave Yerself a Kerry Little Christmas, Ghostly Tales by Candlelight and Christmas Deluxe with Ned.
Etcetera Theatre
265 Camden High Street, NW1
etcetera­theatrecamden.com
Various dates to Dec 22.

CHRISTMAS TALES
Santa has ordered a magic tree to match the sparkle of the Christmas decorations. But the reindeer made a wrong turn and everything’s in the wrong place.
Chickenshed
Rayne Theatre
290 Chase Side, N14
chickenshed.org.uk/
020 8292 9222. various times, to Dec 29. Age 0-7

THE CHRISTMAS THING
Cult comedy duo Mr Thing return with their gloriously unhinged festive variety show – a live TV show reminiscent of the 90s specials “broadcasting” live from London, complete with music, games, and mayhem.
Seven Dials Playhouse
1A Tower Street, WC2H
sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
020 3841 6600 Tues-Sat, 7.30pm, to Dec 20

DAVID COPPERFIELD
Pronounced unlucky at birth, tossed into a world of eccentric aunts, terrible stepfathers and dismal boarding schools, David Copperfield’s life gets off to a rocky start. A coming-of-age adventure, with three actors and dozens of Charles Dickens’ most memorable characters, from Peggotty to Uriah Heep and
Mr Micawber.
Jermyn Street Theatre
16B Jermyn Street, SW1Y
jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/
020 7287 2875. Mon-Sun, various times, to Dec 20.

DRACAPELLA
A new musical comedy take on Bram Stoker’s Dracula which promises to be a riotous, alterna­tive festive night out.
Park Theatre
Clifton Terrace, N4
parktheatre.co.uk/ 020 7870 6876. Mon-Sat 7.30pm, 3pm mats. To Jan 17

EBONY SCROOGE: ZOO NATION
Ebony has cancelled Christmas for her landmark fashion show. But she’s about to rediscover her Caribbean roots, accompanied by three mystical visitors. A hiphop adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Sadlers Wells East, off Stratford Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20
sadlerswells.com/
020 7863 8000 Tues-Sun, Various times to Jan 4

ELF THE MUSICAL
Based on the beloved film, Elf is the
charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf.
Aldwych Theatre
49 Aldwych, WC2B
elflondon.com/
0345 200 7981. Mon-Sat 7pm, 2pm mats, to Jan 3. Age 5+

THE ELMER ADVENTURE
Searching for a mysterious patchwork elephant, three adventurers transform their jungle campsite into a festive storytelling world. Three classic Elmer tales burst into life in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved books by David McKee.
Soho Theatre Walthamstow
186 Hoe Street, E17
sohotheatre.com/
020 7478 0100. Various times, Dec 20-Jan 4. Age 3+

Raymond Briggs’ FATHER CHRISTMAS
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year, Christmas Eve.
Lyric Hammersmith Studio
Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL
lyric.co.uk/ 020 8741 6850 Various times, to Dec 27. Age 6 and under

FATHER CHRISTMAS NEEDS A WEE!
At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks tasty treats that have been left for him. But at number 10 he realises he really, really needs a WEE!
Arts Theatre
Great Newport Street, WC2H, artstheatrewestend.co.uk/
020 7836 8463. Sat-Sun; 10am, Dec 6-21; Mon-Wed 10am or 9am Dec 22-24.

FESTIVE FOLLIES
Hoxton Hall has an eclectic range of shows for Christmas, including Stella’s Imaginarium;
A Christmas Carol; The Crick Crack Club Christmas Carol Show and a jazz night.
Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1
hoxtonhall.co.uk/ 020 7684 0060. Various dates and times, Dec 12-23

THE GREEN KNIGHT (BUT IT’S GAY)
A queered and comic retelling of the festive Arthurian classic by Niall Moorjani.
Camden People’s Theatre
58-60 Hampstead Road NW1
cptheatre.co.uk/ 020 7419 4841. 7pm, Tues-Sat, to Dec 13

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Lyric Theatre
29 Shaftesbury Avenue W1D
thelyrictheatre.co.uk/
0330 333 4810 Various times to Jan 11. Age 3+

HOUSE OF LIFE
Led by the glitter-clad, beat-dropping RaveRend, this genre-defying night of music, movement and communal healing is wild, a little wacky, and exactly what your serotonin levels ordered. Forget Silent Night. This one’s a loud one.
Camden People’s Theatre
58-60 Hampstead Road NW1 cptheatre.co.uk/
020 7419 4841. 9pm Tues-Sat, to Dec 13

HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY?
Told by an Idiot unleash their visual comedy in this new stage adaptation of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny picture book.
Weston, Unicorn Theatre
Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley Street, SE1
unicorntheatre.com/
020 7645 0560. Various times to Jan 3, Ages 2+

INTO THE WOODS
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s second collaboration weaves together four Grimms’ fairy-tales.
Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park SE1
bridgetheatre.co.uk/
0333 320 0051. Various times to April 18

MADDIE MOATE’S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS
Maddie is on work experience this winter wonderland, and she’s got her hands full with two elves: Tinker, the trainee toymaker, and Goggles, the Head of Elf Safety.
Garrick Theatre
2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H
nimaxtheatres.com/
0330 333 4815. Various times, Dec 12-Jan 4. age 4+

MAGIC AT THE GATEHOUSE
Join us for an evening of magic at the Gatehouse presented by an exciting line-up of magicians in aid of BREATHE: Arts Health Research.
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village N6
Upstairsatthegatehouse.com
020 8340 3488. 8pm, Dec 21

THE MAGIC FLUTE
Join the fun-loving bird-catcher Papageno and the lost Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina in Luca Silvestrini’s dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera.
The Place, 17 Duke’s Road WC1H
theplace.org.uk/ 020 712 1100. Various times, Dec 17-24. Age 5 +

ME…
The world is a big place for a tiny baby penguin who is finding his feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro.
Little Angel Theatre
14 Dagmar Passage, N1
littleangeltheatre.com
020 7226 1787. Various times to Jan 25. Age 2-5

NUTCRACKER
More than 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane, WC2N,
londoncoliseum.org/
020 7845 9300. Various times, Dec 11-Jan 11. Age 5+

THE NUTCRACKER
When two squabbling siblings receive a mysterious nutcracker from their flamboyant aunt, it sets them off on a fantastical journey into ‘The Mousey Realm’. This festive tale is brought to life with clever cardboard creations, comic characters and a chorus of cheeky musical mice.
St Martin’s Theatre
West Street, WC2H
020 7836 1443
0844 499 1515.
stmartinstheatre.co.uk/ 11am, 1.30pm, Dec 10 – Jan 4. Age 5+

PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW
With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George need help to get everything ready before the big day.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Haymarket, SW1Y
trh.co.uk/
020 7930 8800. various times, Dec 5-Jan 5

PINOCCHIO
This Christmas Pinocchio comes to life in this new musical stage adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale.
Shakespeare’s Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside, SE1
shakespearesglobe.com/
020 7401 9919. Tues-Sun, various times to Jan 4, ages 5-11

PIPPIN
Pippin chases glory in battle, temptation in love, and power on the throne only to discover that the brighter the bulbs, the darker the shadows. Broadway meets Bognor Regis in this reimagining of Stephen Schwartz’s classic.
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village N6
Upstairsatthegatehouse.com
020 8340 3488. Tues-Sat 7.30pm, 3pm or 4pm Suns. Dec 11-Jan 11

A PISSEDMAS CAROL
Join sozzled Scrooge, boozed-up Bob Cratchit or tipsy Tiny Tim, and charge your glasses as a genuinely inebriated actor treats you to a festive knees-up.
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place WC2H
leicestersquaretheatre.com/ Various times,
Dec 9-Jan 11. Age 16+

RED
A magical twist on Little Red Riding Hood set in a snowy mountain village filled with secrets, spirits, and a legendary wolf.
Chickenshed
Rayne Theatre
290 Chase Side, N14
chickenshed.org.uk/
020 8292 9222. Mon to Sun, various times, to Jan 10. Age 5+

THE RED SHOES
Matthew Bourne’s ballet tells a powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.
Sadler’s Wells
Rosebery Ave, EC1R
sadlerswells.com/ 020 7863 8000. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 18

SCRUNCH
Snuggle up and share in your baby’s joy as the excitement for Christmas builds with the crumpling, rumpling and scrunching of all that glorious wrapping paper!
Clore, Unicorn Theatre
Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley Street, SE1
unicorntheatre.com/
020 7645 0560. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 4. Strictly 6-18 months

THE SNOWMAN
Allow yourselves to be transported to the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. Join them on their magical adventure to the North Pole.
Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street, WC2A
sadlerswells.com/
020 7863 8000. Tue-Sun, various times, to Jan 4. All ages

STICK MAN
What starts off as a morning jog becomes a misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch, a swan builds a nest with him, and he ends up on a fire! How will he get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?
Bloomsbury Theatre
15 Gordon Street, WC1H
ticketing@ucl.ac.uk
020 3108 1000. Various times, to Jan 4

THE STORM WHALE
Noi lives with his dad and their six cats by the sea. One spring, Noi rescues a little whale that’s washed up on the beach during a storm. A friendship begins that changes their lives forever.
Little Angel Studios
Sebbon Street Community Centre
Sebbon Street, N1
littleangeltheatre.com
020 7226 1787. Various times, to Jan 24. Ages 4-8

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr.
Arts Depot,Pentland Theatre
Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12, artsdepot.co.uk/
020 8369 5454. Various times, to Jan 4. Age 3+

TOP HAT
Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Southbank Centre, SE1
southbankcentre.co.uk/
020 3879 9555. Tues-Sun, 7.30pm, mats 2pm, Dec 12-Jan 17