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Theatre, Ballet and Cabaret – our pick of what’s on in London for Christmas 2019.
Still looking for some entertainment for the festive season this year? Here are a few of the shows we’ve seen and rate. From ballet to musicals – and a few options for those of you who really don’t want to hear another Christmas carol but need to get out of the house and away from the mince pies.
We saw some of these Christmas shows last year – they have a short London run and we simply haven’t seen this year’s production yet because it’s not running yet. But, for the most part, we’ve been along and loved what we’ve seen. So, if you are still looking for that perfect Christmas show, take a look and book while you can.
It seems as if every theatre in London has some kind of Christmassy offering right now. We've been along to a few - here's our recommendation of what's unmissable this festive season. Find out more about any of them by clicking through to read our full review.
La Traviata at the Royal Opera House - Review
A classic revival of Verdi's La Traviata comes to the Royal Opera House just in time for Christmas. Highly recommended, it runs through till the end of March so you've got plenty of time to catch it!
The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall - Birmingham Royal Ballet
The quintessential Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker returns to the Royal Albert Hall for a short run this year. The production is from Birmingham Royal Ballet and has stunned audiences now for three years. We loved last year's show so much we went back this year for more!
White Christmas the Musical at the Dominion Theatre
Irving Berlin's musical is showing for the Christmas season at the Dominion Theatre. It's one of those shows where you'll get swept up in the moment - expect lots of sentimental fluffy Christmas stuff, some great singing and dancing and a lot of Christmas spirit.
Cinderella - Lyric Hammersmith
One of the edgiest pantos in town, last year’s winning team, director Tinuke Craig and writer Jude Christian have returned to the Lyric with this production of Cinderella. A modern-day show set in the streets of Hammersmith, this will bring a smile to every face.
The Royal Ballet’s Coppélia at The Royal Opera House
Perhaps the classiest Christmas show, The Royal Ballet's production of the comic ballet Coppelia is beautifully staged with some outstanding dancing by the Corps de Ballet and a delightful lead, Francesca Hayward as Swanilda who really is the star of the show.
Circus 1903 at the Royal Festival Hall
This show - a circus where the only animals are played by humans, was one of last year's hits with the London-Unattached team. It's back at the Festival Hall this year and we recommend it as great entertainment for the whole family
Christmas Carol – a Fairy Tale at Wilton’s Music Hall, London E1
What if Scrooge was a woman? This version of Charles Dicken's classic at Wilton's Music Hall is based on that premise. Musical theatre and soap opera super-star, Sally Dexter brilliantly portrays Fan Scrooge the surviving sister of Ebenezer and widow of money-lender Jacob Marley. We think it works brilliantly - go along for yourself and find out more.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the National Youth Theatre
The National Youth Theatre's production of Midsummer Night's Dream might not be an obvious Christmas show, but we really enjoyed this dynamic production and you shouldn't miss it!
A Taste of Honey
Bijan Sheibani’s production of Shelagh Delaney’s 1958 groundbreaking classic A Taste of Honey has just opened at the Trafalgar Studios. Updated with some fabulous music, it's well worth checking out for a retrospective evening of radical intent.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Neil Gaiman's 2013 novel is brought on stage at the Dorfman, National Theatre and provides perfect seasonal entertainment for older kids (12+) and adults alike, with a Narnia like tale of fantasy and adventure.
We’ll be updating this with a few more shows once we’ve had a chance to review them. Meanwhile, do take a look – there are some great productions on stage at the moment.
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