What’s on stage for London families Christmas 2018
Disney on Ice presents Dream Big at The O2
This Christmas Moana, Maui and Friends will make their ice debut in the UK in Disney on Ice presents Dream Big at The O2, which I will be reviewing. The show line-up includes Disney favourites like Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled, and the new production promises more colourful costumes, impressive figure-skating and special effects. Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is running at The O2 from 26 December to 6 January.
The Snowman at The Peacock
This year sees the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ picture book The Snowman, and the magical show continues to be a family favourite. The Snowman, which celebrated 20 years at The Peacock last year, is based on the book by Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates. It tells the story of a boy and his snowman that comes to life, and it is playing at The Peacock from 23 November to 31 December. Read my review from last year HERE.
Room on the Broom at Lyric Theatre
The Olivier-nominated musical adaptation of Room on the Broom, the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, hits West End this Christmas. The show is produced by the theatre company behind Gruffalo Live, Tall Stories, and tells the story about the witch and the cat who are on a mission to defeat the dragon. Room on the Broom, recommended for children aged 3 and over, will be playing at Lyric Theatre from 23 November to 13 January. Running time is around 60 minutes.
The Nutcracker at London Coliseum
The English National Ballet returns to London Coliseum with The Nutcracker from 13 to 30 December. The production, choreographed by Wayne Eagling and accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, continues the company’s tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production every year since its founding year in 1950. (Read my review from last year HERE.)
The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House
Christmas 2018 will see the return of Christmas favourite The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House too, and the Peter Wright’s production for The Royal Ballet ranks as one of the most popular versions of the festive ballet. The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House is running from 3 December to 15 January, and it is suitable for ages 5 and over. The performance lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one interval.
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
For families with young children, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith makes for a festive theatre experience, and it’s a show I’ve reviewed several years in a row. With an intimate venue, live music and sounds, and wonderful stage set-up, the show has become a Christmas favourite for families, introducing children to the magic of Father Christmas and the job he does on Christmas Eve. The show is playing at Lyric Hammersmith from 21 November to 30 December.
Dick Whittington at Lyric Hammersmith
From 17 November the Lyric Hammersmith will be celebrating its 10th anniversary pantomime with Dick Whittington. This year’s production, which has been written byJude Christian and Cariad Lloyd, promises live music, crazy characters, singing and dancing. Dick Whittington will be playing until 6 January and is recommended for ages 6 and over. The running time is 120 minutes.
Aladdin at New Wimbledon Theatre
This year’s New Wimbledon Theatre pantomime is Aladdin, and the cast includes Have I Got News For You stalwart Paul Merton, boyband and television star Lee Ryan and television regular Pete Firman. The pantomime, running from 8 December 2018 to 6 January 2019, promises laugh-out-loud comedy, beautiful costumes and stunning scenery.
The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall
As a special Christmas treat, the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of the Christmas favourite will return to the Royal Albert Hall from 28-30 December. On 29 December there is a special Sugar Plum Meet and Greet Experience to book, which includes photo opportunities on stage and a present hand delivered to each child.
Hippity Hop at artsdepot
In North Finchley, Oily Cart’s Hippity Hop will be playing at artsdepot, entertaining preschoolers aged 2 to 5 with a magical, multi-sensory musical with puppetry and original music. The show promises an interactive performance where young theatre-goers help a lost baby find her mum. Hippity Hop will be playing at artsdepot from 11 December to 17 February.
Snow White at Ovalhouse
A new adaptation of the classic story about Snow White by Wrong Crowd will be playing at Ovalhouse this Christmas from 12 to 30 December. Set in a fifties fairytale wonderland, Snow is working hard in her aunt’s beauty salon when she accidentally glances into the magic mirror. The show, recommended for children aged 6 and over, features puppetry and live music and the running time is around 70 minutes.
Huddle at Unicorn Theatre
At children’s theatre The Unicorn Huddle–a Unicorn production in association with Filskit Theatre–will be entertaining young families this Christmas season with a show about Mr Penguin who is carefully guarding his egg and learning to be a dad. The show, aimed at children aged 2 to 5, features innovative projection and sound and will be playing from 22 November to 31 December.
Hansel and Gretel at Rose Theatre
At Rose Theatre in Kingston, the Christmas production is a new adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s tale Hansel and Gretel, which sees the two siblings on a race to save their town from a witch. The festive adaptation is written by Ciaran McConville and the show features actors from Rose Youth Theatre playing alongside professional actors.
The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre
The Wind in the Willows, the children’s classic by Kenneth Grahame, will be playing on the main stage at Polka Theatre from 9 November to 17 February. The play, which features songs by Toby Hulse, tells a story of friendship and courage, with Mole, Ratty and Badger saving their friend Toad. The running time is 2 hours including interval, and it is recommended for families with children aged over 5.
Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at New Wimbledon Theatre
In the Time and Leisure studio at New Wimbledon Theatre, families with young children can enjoy a new show Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure, which is set in Santa’s HQ on the North Pole. After the performance children get to meet with Santa and each child receives a present. The show is recommended for children aged 2 and over.
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