5 London family Christmas shows to book now

The Snowman
A Christmas show several friends have recommended to us is The Snowman, which is now in its 19th consecutive year at The Peacock, and I can’t wait to take Big Girl to review it this year. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates, the wintery stage show tells the story of a boy and his magical snowman. I know many families go see this every year, and I’m sure it will soon become a tradition for us too. It is playing from 23 November 2016 to 1 January 2017, and tickets are £15 to £36.

Father Christmas
Another Raymond Brigg’s classic Father Christmas is in its fourth year at Lyric Hammersmith this year, and for us, this has become a family tradition. One year Big Girl and I went to see it twice–first for a press performance and then for a family Christmas experience. The show for children aged under 6 stays true to the children’s book, and the grumpy Father Christmas uses the same language as in the book, constantly complaining. I think the intimate venue, live music and sounds, and wonderful stage set-up makes this a lovely show for introducing children to the magic of Father Christmas and the job he does on Christmas Eve. The show is playing at Lyric Hammersmith from 18 November to 24 December.

Peppa Pig’s Surprise
Tickets for Peppa Pig’s West End Christmas season went on sale on Thursday, and this year sees the return of the entertaining Peppa Pig’s Surprise live show, which features plenty of audience interaction, songs, special effects and larger puppets than the previous live show. We went to review the show last year, and loved the new puppets, giant-sized Mummy and Daddy Pig puppets and the Peppa and friends puppets that are large enough for actors to duck down and hide behind them when possible. Peppa Pig’s Surprise is sure to delight a young audience again this Christmas when it will be playing at Phoenix Theatre from 15 December to 7 January.

Cinderella
This Christmas the magical fairy tale about Cinderella will hit London’s West End. The pantomime will be playing at London Palladium from 10 December 2016 to 15 January 2017.

Boing!
At children’s theatre The Unicorn dance-theatre Boing! will be capturing the magic of Christmas Eve and the excitement of two boys waiting for Father Christmas. The show, aimed at children aged 2 to 6, will be playing at The Unicorn from 30 November to 1 January.

Tags: Children's theatre, Cinderella, London Palladium, Peacock Theatre, Peppa Pig's Surprise, Phoenix Theatre, The Snowman, The Unicorn