Holiday Family Theatre Preview
One of our favourite things about living in London as Christmas approaches is the abundance of family theatre shows that debut – from big splashy pantos that make kids howl with laughter, to the sweetly stimulating shows for babies and toddlers. We’ve put together a list of some of the child-friendly Christmas theatre in London that we think looks worth checking out.
Many theatres offer lower prices at off-peak times and dates, and group discounts. So if you’re flexible (or want to get a gang from school or your old NCT group together) there are ways to make theatre more affordable. Now, let’s raise the curtain and start the preview…
artsdepot
Cinderella – The Rockin’ Panto
Get ready for a pantomime party for all generations, as a cast of actor-musicians present a panto packed with rock, pop and soul. Classic songs interwoven into this classic tale include It’s Raining Men, In the Midnight Hour and Try a Little Tendernes.
When: 30 Nov – 5 Jan
Cost: Tickets from £18
Age Guidance: 5+
More info: website
All Wrapped Up
Unwrap a world of imagination with Oily Cart’s mischievous, wintery show for under-fives. Magical characters, hilarious creatures and hidden lands are brought to life through light, shadow and music.
When: 10 Dec – 31 Dec
Cost: Tickets from £9. Children under 18 months (babes-in-arms) are admitted free of charge but will require a ticket.
Age Guidance: 0 – 5
More info: website
Watermans
Christmas Show 2019: Pinocchio
A highly visual, acrobatic version of the classic tale, packed full of the type of fun, mischief and magic that normally only happen when grown-ups turn their backs, this unmissable Christmas show enchants the whole family. Using jaw-dropping circus, puppetry and a healthy dose of bubbles, the show asks what it takes to be a real boy… and a real father.
When: 7 Dec – 30 Dec
Age guidance: 3-8 years & families
Price: £10 – 12
More info: website
Little Angel Theatre
The Pixie and the Pudding
When Charlie and her dad move to the farm from the city, everything seems to go wrong. If only they’d paid attention to the mysterious note left on their windowsill about a curious pixie and the pudding she likes to eat on Christmas Eve. This brand new musical brings a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry and original music.
When: 22 Nov – 2 February
Age guidance: 4 – 11
Cost: £15 adults; £13 children (age 1 – 15) and concessions
More info: website
Southbank Centre
Circus 1903
Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus this Christmas. Circus 1903 returns to Southbank Centre, with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death. Ho ho ho!
When: 19 Dec – 5 Jan 2020
Age guidance: 3+ (babes-in-arms will not be admitted)
Cost: £29.50 – £125
More info: website
Hackney Empire
Dick Whittington and His Cat
A dazzling Hackney-style reimagining panto of this classic rags-to-riches tale, full of topical gags, knockabout comedy, show-stopping song and dance numbers, boo-able baddies and enough festive cheer to fuel a ship half way round the world.
When: 23 Nov – 05 Jan
Age guidance: all ages – Children under 14 years need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Cost: £10 – £42
More info: website
Lyric Theatre
Oi Frog & Friends!
Kenny Wax Family Entertainment presents the premiere of Oi Frog & Friends! the new stage show which brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field‘s bestselling and award-winning picture books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat!
When: Friday 29 Nov – 5 Jan
Age guidance: 3+
Cost: tickets from £15.50
More info: website
The Peacock
The Snowman 2019 — Birmingham Repertory Theatre
The enchanting festive favourite, The Snowman, returns for a 22nd year. Based up the book by Raymond Briggs and produced by John Coates, this charming stage adaptation is a captivating mix of dance, live music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.
When: 21 Nov- 5 Jan
Age guidance: all ages
Cost: £18 – £55
More info: website
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Sure there are big flashy rides, an ice rink and Santa but did you know Winter Wonderland also offers an impressive selection of indoor theatre options, right in Hyde Park? (Yes we are counting ice shows as theatre, it’s family theatre, darling!). Here are three the whole family can attend, appropriate for all ages. Check website for show times, as they vary.
Mr Men & Little Miss – The Show
Join your favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page into a live show with a seasonal feel. Critically acclaimed at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019, with 5-star reviews from Families Edinburgh Magazine praising the show as ‘full of music, unexpected laughs and stories children love‘.
Cost: Under 12s start at £7.50, over 12s £10.50. Under 1s are free.
More info: website
Paddington on Ice
Join Paddington and a cast of award-winning international figure skaters on his big adventure, as he travels by ship from the jungles of Peru to London! Paddington will meet new friends along the way and find out that on-board not everything is plain sailing! Will he ever make it to London?
Cost: Under 12s start at £15.95, over 12s £18.95. Under 2s are free if they sit on your lap.
More info: website
Zippos Christmas Circus
A cast of colourful, international circus artists, hosted by Ringmaster Paul Winston, will be showing off their jaw-dropping aerial and acrobatic skills and laugh-out-loud clowning antics.
Cost: Under 12s start at £7.50, over 12s £10.50. Under 2s are free if they sit on your lap.
More info: website
And a bonus one, just for the mums! The hilarious Scummy Mummies are previewing their new Christmas show on several dates in London before they hit the road for festive tour. For ticket info click here.
Featured image is from Cinderella at artsdepot.
