Charles Dickens’s classic story, A Christmas Carol is brought to vivid, enchanting theatrical life in a production directed by Marcus Warchus and adapted by Jack Thorne.
Hansel and Gretel – Royal Opera House
This production of Hansel and Gretel at the Royal Opera House works for all ages. Two six-year-olds on one side of me were on the edge of their seats throughout, and despite the darker moments (at one point, Hansel is enchained and fed through a funnel like a goose for foie gras, at another the dead witch’s arm is brandished on stage), didn’t flinch. On the other side, three women on what looked like a pre-Christmas treat giggled their way through the lighter moments and gasped at all the right points.
Moco’s Christmas Ice Rink at Hyde Park
Dancing on Ice, this is not. Windmill arms a-plenty, at Moco Museum’s Ice Rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, it’s apparent how few teetering onto the Barbie pink rink are regular skaters. It matters not: the ongoing popularity of seasonal ice rinks in London proves ice skating at Christmas has become a checklist winter activity.
RSC A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Barbican
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, often associated with high summer, fits comfortably into the Christmas pantomime’s shoes. Whimsical costumes, many jokes, lovable personalities, and buffoonery; much like panto, there’s a wedding at the end. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most familiar plays, transferring from a recent run at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Cinderella comes to Covent Garden just in time for Christmas
Cinderella – a night of emotion, elation and magic. The Royal Ballet’s Cinderella opens just in time for a special Christmas family treat
Friendsmas – A fabulous alternative Christmas Lunch
Unless you happen to be American and celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas does seem a long way off from the last BBQ of summer. Not surprisingly, Friendsmas is growing in popularity – a way to celebrate with friends rather than family perhaps in a more relaxed way, with or without presents
The Paddington Bear Experience
For a charming outing of gentle family fun The Paddington Bear Experience is a great option. At only three years old our grandson was possibly a little young to fully engage with every element. But he still enjoyed himself and there were children of all ages having a good time.