The best shows to see this Christmas

A Christmas show: what a perfect way to celebrate the end of Term One! December is a fantastic time to visit London and experience some theatre magic, so why not organise a trip to the capital with family and friends for some brilliant, festive entertainment? Read on for some suggestions of the best festive performances, from traditional carol concerts to comedy…

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Bridge Theatre, 9 November – 2 February 2020 

What’s the holiday season without some nostalgia? C.S Lewis’ magical, fantasy world is once again being brought to the stage. His story of the four Pevensie siblings and their adventures through Narnia trapped in Winter time brings back many fond childhood memories of reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Seeing this production on stage would be a great way to relive this children’s tale. 

A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre, 23 November  – 18 January 

What could be more Christmassy than this classic Dickens tale? Jack Thorne’s A Christmas Carol (with a five star review from Time Out) is back for a third run. Jack Thorne is the creative behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child so production values of this performance are guaranteed to be spectacular. The January weekday performances would be great to take younger siblings to as child tickets are 50% off.

Carol concerts

Nothing is more festive than listening to carols! There are lots of performances all over London, including in Trafalgar Square and St Marylebone Church in aid of The Prince’s Trust.  If you want to go for grandeur I’d recommend tickets for ‘Carols at the Albert Hall’. The standard of these performances is always incredibly high and complete with music from the Royal Choral Society and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Singing along to festive favourites along in this venue is a lot of fun. 

Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Alexandra Palace, 13 December – 5 January

I cannot recommend Mischief Theatre enough. Their plays The Play That Goes Wrong and Comedy About a Bank Robbery are without a doubt the funniest, laugh-out-loud plays around. To get in the festive mood you can watch this production and enjoy Christmas references, jokes about pantomimes, slapstick comedy and brilliant writing. A TV version of the play aired on the BBC last year so it’s worth keeping an eye out for repeats so you can enjoy it from the comforts of your home! 

Circus 1903, Royal Festival Hall, 19 December – 5 January

For a spectacular visual experience and special effects why not try the circus? Working with the pupeteers from War Horse, full-sized elephants are brought to life alongside performances from acrobats, trapeze artists and high-wire performers. The venue at South Bank Centre is a great place to visit at Christmas time as there is a lovely market and the warming smell of hot chocolate, gingerbread and mulled wine outside…

Snowflake, Kiln Theatre, 10th Dec- 25th Jan

 “Generational conflict, fathers and daughters, and whether we’re living in the best or worst of times…”

This would be a great one to watch for those wanting a more serious drama whilst still in the festive theme. The play was written by Mike Bartlett, a triple Olivier Award winner, whose writing credits include King Charles III and the brilliant BBC show Doctor Foster.