LONDON AND EAST
AMAZONIA
An interactive show for audiences aged 7 and over, inspired by the Brazilian
environmental activist Chico Mendes.
Young Vic Theatre, The Cut, SE1 (www.youngvic.org 020-7922 2922), until Jan
24
CINDERELLA
Melly Still, the director of the National’s hit family show Coram
Boy, brings us a wintry version of the well-loved tale, which on Still’s
past form is likely to sparkle with magic and invention.
Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, W6 (www.lyric.co.uk 0871 2211729), until
Jan 3
THE DEVIL WEARS TWEED
Dick Barton returns to Croydon for a musical adventure that promises desert
sands, drop-dead dames and a magical suit of golden tweed.
Warehouse, Dingwall Road, Croydon (www.warehousetheatre.co.uk 020-8680
4060), from Dec 12, until Feb 22
HANSEL AND GRETEL
Catherine Wheels Theatre Company presents a promenade reinvention of the
Grimms’ fairytale, in which the audience journeys through a spooky forest to
an enticing sweetie house.
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, EC2 (www.barbican.org.uk 020-638 8891),
until Jan 4
THE LITTLE PRINCE
The Hampstead’s artistic director Anthony Clark stages his own adaptation of
the classic fable by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The cast includes
Julie-Alanah Brighten.
Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, NW3 (www.hampsteadtheatre.com 020-7722
9301), until Jan 10
MOTHER GOOSE
The Empire’s pantos are reliably slick, brash and bags of noisy fun. Clive
Rowe is back in the wig and petticoats again this year.
Hackney Empire, Mare Street, E8 (www.hackneyempire.co.uk 020-8510 4500),
until Jan 10
OLIVER!
The perennially popular musical returns, with Rowan Atkinson as Fagin.
Theatre Royal, Catherine Street, WC2 (www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk 0844
4825138), ongoing
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Rosy Fordham’s adaptation of the story travels through time from Victorian
Southwark to modern-day London, and features a feisty young heroine in place
of the traditional princess.
Unicorn Theatre, Tooley Street, SE1 (www.unicorntheatre.com 020-7645 0560),
until Jan 24
SLEEPING BEAUTY
No gimmicks, no soap stars, this is old-fashioned family entertainment.
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford (www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865
305300), from Dec 5, until Jan 18
WAR HORSE
The return of Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s First World War
story. Tickets are scarce, so queue for returns if you have to.
National Theatre: Olivier, South Bank, SE1 (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
020-7452 3000), until Mar 18
WEST
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Toby Farrow’s reworking of the Dickens classic, set in Victorian Bristol.
Presented by the same team who gave us an acclaimed Alice Through the
Looking Glass.
Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Bristol (www.tobaccofactory.com 0117-902
0344), from Dec 11, until Jan 18
CINDERELLA
Christopher Biggins and Matthew Kelly are pretty much guaranteed to bring the
requisite quantity of camp to this panto. Stefanie Powers and Craig
McLachlan lend their support.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton (www.mayflower.org.uk
023-8023 8937), until Jan 17
FRANKENSTEIN
If you fancy something stronger and a little less sugary than most Christmas
fare, this wacky-sounding piece by John Fiske could be just the thing.
Drum Theatre, Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, Plymouth (www.theatreroyal.com
01752 267222), until Dec 21
HOME
The Old Vic relaunches with plans for a major refurbishment and a seasonal
show that sounds charming. Lizzie Allen’s play, presented by Travelling
Light Theatre Company, follows the fortunes of two homeless friends and a
lonely piano player.
Old Vic, King Street, Bristol (www.bristololdvic.org.uk 0117-949 3993),
from Dec 27, until Feb 1
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The former Doctor Who Colin Baker stars in a glitzy panto that is unlikely to
offer too many surprises but will probably provide slick fun.
Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath (www.theatreroyal.org.uk 01225 448844), from
Dec 18, until Jan 25
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adrian Mitchell’s adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic, presented in a
co-production with West Yorkshire Playhouse and directed by Ian Brown.
Birmingham Rep, Broad Street, Birmingham (www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 0121-236
4455), until Jan 17
SIMPLY CINDERELLA
Leicester’s striking new theatre opens in sparkling style with a Christmas
show that promises to offer a blend of traditional storytelling and
surprising spectacle. Adam Cooper, the acclaimed dancer and choreographer,
directs.
The Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester (www.curveonline.co.uk 0116-242 3595),
until Jan 24
NORTH
AWAKING BEAUTY
Alan Ayckbourn and Denis King’s new musical sounds like a sharp alternative to
soppier Christmas stories and is aimed at adults rather than children. In
this version of the story, an enamoured witch will go to alarming lengths to
get her man.
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Westborough, Scarborough (www.sjt.uk.com 01723
370541), from Dec 11, until Jan 17
BOEING BOEING
Matthew Warchus’s hit production about a philandering architect and his three
air-hostess lovers, which has a festive Liverpool run before heading off on
a UK tour.
Playhouse, Williamson Square, Liverpool (www.everymanplayhouse.com 0151-709
4776), from Dec 11, until Jan 17
CINDERELLA
Cilla Black stars as the Fairy Godmother in this glitzy commercial panto.
Jennifer Ellison and Les Dennis also feature.
Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool (www.liverpoolempire.org.uk 0844
8472525), from Dec 11, until Jan 4
DICK TURPIN
Berwick Kaler, one of Britain’s best-loved panto dames, writes and directs
this ribald and historically inaccurate assault on the reputation of the
fabled highwayman.
Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York (www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 01904
623568), from Dec 11, until Jan 23
HANSEL AND GRETEL
Erica Whyman directs Stephen Sharkey’s adaptation of the creepy fairytale.
Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne (www.northernstage.co.uk
0191-230 5151), until Jan 10
PETER PAN
Rachel Kavanaugh’s production of this popular tale, with spectacular flying
through starry night skies and a roly-poly crocodile.
West Yorkshire Playhouse, Quarry Hill, Leeds (www.wyplayhouse.com 0113-213
7700), until New Year’s Eve
SEE HOW THEY RUN
Philip King’s frantic Second World War farce should make diverting alternative
Christmas entertainment.
Royal Exchange, St Ann’s Square, Manchester (www.royalexchangetheatre.co.uk
0161-833 9833), until Jan 24
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Take a trip up the Yellow Brick Road in the company of Lorna Luft.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford (www.thelowry.com 0870 7875780),
until Jan 4
SCOTLAND AND N IRELAND
ALADDIN
Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Johnny Mac headline in this panto spectacular,
but the real star of the show is likely to be the 3-D genie. King’s
Theatre, Leven Street, Edinburgh (www.eft.co.uk 0131-529 6000), until Jan 18
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Laurence Boswell’s adaptation transports its audience from the domesticity of
Beauty’s humble home-life to the opulence of the Beast’s castle.
Dundee Rep, Tay Square, Dundee (www.dundeereptheatre.co.uk 01382 203882),
until Jan 3
CRAIG HILL’S ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS
Look forward to carolling singalongs and a cheeky send-up of all things
festive.
Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh (www.traverse.co.uk 0131-228
1404), Dec 19 & 20
MOTHER GOOSE
May McFettridge returns as the dame, alongside Olivia Nash.
Grand Opera House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast (www.goh.co.uk 028-9024
1919), until Jan 17
PETER PAN
Impressive flying scenes and sets should add a touch of wonder to this classic
panto.
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen (www.hmtaberdeen.com
01224 641122), from Dec 6, until Jan 4
THE SNOW QUEEN
Puppetry, visual effects and live music feature in this staging of the Hans
Christian Andersen classic.
The Arches, Argyle Street, Glasgow (www.thearches.co.uk 0141-565 1000),
until Jan 4
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK
For some hellfire to heat up your Christmas, try this. Marti Pellow plays
Darryl Van Horne.
Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (www.edinburghplayhouse. org.uk 0870
6063424), from Dec 10, until Jan 3
THE WIZARD OF OZ
This stage version of Frank L. Baum’s tale of Dorothy’s quest to find the wise
wizard of Emerald City promises faithfulness to the classic MGM film.
Glasgow Citizens’ Theatre, Gorbals Street, Glasgow (www.citz.co.uk 0141-429
0022), until Jan 3
