It’s Christmas time and there’s no better way to get into the festive mood than seeing a Christmas show. Not up for panto? Well we’ve put together a list of the top 13 Christmas shows in the West End in 2015. Whether it’s Elf The Musical, Jim Broadbent in A Christmas Carol or Slava’s Snowshow, there’s something for everyone.
1. Elf – The Dominion Theatre
Ben Forster and Kimberley Walsh star in the musical adaptation of the classic 2003 film starring Will Ferrell. ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, who grows up in the North Pole thinking he’s an elf. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
WHY? It’s PURE CHRISTMAS. Ben Forster in an Elf costume is sure to get you in the festive mood And Jennie Dale is hilariously good.
DATES: 24 October 2015 until 2 January 2016. For more info click here>
2. A Christmas Carol – Noel Coward Theatre
Oscar winning actor Jim Broadbent returns to the stage as Scrooge in Charles Dicken’s classic Christmas tale. With its small cast playing numerous roles, this production is bound to be more than your average retelling of Dicken’s tale.
WHY? It’s Jim Broadbent in a classic Christmas tale
DATES: 30 November 2015 until 30 January 2016. For more info click here>
3. The Snowman – Peacock Theatre
The magical stage version of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved children’s book returns to the Peacock Theatre. Featuring Howard Blake’s beautiful Walking In the Air, performed by a live orchestra.
WHY? It’s a modern classic with a mix of storytelling, spectacle and magic
DATES: 25 November 2015 until 3 January 2016. For more info click here>
4. Sleeping Beauty – Sadler’s Wells
Matthew Bourne’s gothic re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty is a twist on the classic fairy tale of good vs. evil and rebirth.
WHY? Sleeping Beauty was the fastest selling show in the company’s history when it premiered in 2012, plus everyone loves the ballet at Christmas.
DATES: 1 December 2015 to 24 January 2016. For more info click here>
5. Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax – Old Vic Theatre
David Greig’s adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale The Lorax blends theatrical invention, songs and zany humour in a timely and vibrant Christmas show with a message that will speak to audiences of all ages.
WHY? It’s the first Christmas production under the Old Vic’s new Artistic Director Matthew Warchus and children love Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.
DATES: 2 December 2015 until 16 January 2015. For more info click here>
6. Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre
Peter Pan Goes Wrong brings together the original cast of The Play That Goes Wrong who bring their slapstick comic disaster to J.M. Barrie classic and timeless favourite, Peter Pan.
WHY? Slapstick comedy with a Christmas theme.
DATES: 4 December 2015 until 31 January 2016. For more info click here>
7. Slava’s Snowshow – Royal Festival Hall
Experience Slava’s joyous dream-like world. A combination of theatrical clowning and breath-taking visual effects, the show is performed by a world-renowned company of clowns led by Slava Polunin, the Artistic Director of the St Petersburg Circus.
WHY? The show ends with a breathtaking snow blizzard
DATES: 17 December 2015 until 3 January 2016. For more info click here>
8. Around The World in 80 Days – St. James Theatre
A dazzling new production of Jules Verne’s classic 1873 novel, Around the World in 80 Days. A cast of eight play over 100 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade for all the family.
WHY? 8 people playing over 100 characters – it’s got to be funny
DATES: 26 November 2015 until 16 January 2016. For more info click here>
9.The Railway Children – King’s Cross Theatre
The Olivier Award-winning production E. Nesbit’s classic novel features a stage built around a real train track, and a beautiful 60-tonne locomotive train that steams into the theatre.
WHY? An enchanting show with a live steam train.
DATES: Booking until 10 April 2016. For more info click here>
10. The Nutcracker – English National Ballet
Journey back in time with the English National Ballet to a frost covered, gaslit London. There you’ll meet young Clara, her enchanted Nutcracker doll, and the magician Drosselmeyer in this traditional festive tale for all the family.
WHY? This classical production is a magical, memorable unmissable Christmas treat.
DATES: December 2015 until 9 January 2016. For more info click here>
11. Goodnight Mr Tom – Duke of York’s Theatre
Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting World War II tale is brought gloriously to life in this magical Olivier Award winning stage adaptation by David Wood.
WHY? It’s an acclaimed production by Chichester Festival Theatre.
DATES: 11 December 2015 until 21 February 2016. For more info click here>
12. I Want My Hat Back – National Theatre
The National’s Christmas show this year is an adaptation of Jon Klassen’s witty 2011 book, I Want My Hat Back. Running in the Temporary Theatre, it should be filled with humour, music and surprises, and follows Bear as he searches for his lost hat.
WHY? Great for children
DATES: 12 November 2015 until 2 January 2016. For more info click here>
13. The Tinderbox – Charing Cross Theatre
A new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous folk tale. An enchanting, fun filled musical, combining classical music and story-telling with comedy, lots of audience interaction a few surprises along the way! Join Brian the Brave and his magic tinderbox on his quest to find true love.
WHY? Perfect for children – lots of interaction combined with comedy, music and wonderful storytelling.
DATES: 12th December 2015 until 3rd Jan 2016. For more info click here>
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