London Christmas Shows & Pantos

Pantomimes are an integral part of the festive calendar - Oh no, they're not! Oh yes, they are! - so we've made a little guide for all of London's best shows this winter. But it's not just Dick, Jack, Aladdin and Cinderella who are coming to town - there's also some festive ballet with The Nutcracker (at four major venues), and a handful of children's shows including The Snowman, Peppa Pig and The Gruffalo. Throw in some puppetry plus a bit of serious theatre, and there's something for everyone to enjoy on London stages this Christmas.

The Royal Opera: La Traviata

Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD
3rd October 2011 - 25th January 2012

One of the most consistently loved of all operas comes to the Royal Opera House this autumn and winter. Verdi's music takes audiences to the heart of Violetta's world in La Traviata as she gives up her wild lifestyle for love and makes the ultimate sacrifice. There's romance, there's tragedy, there's even a scandal - the portrayal of a 'fallen' heroine would have been shocking to the premiere audiences of 1853. Both old hands and opera virgins will be reaching for the tissues at the Royal Opera House as Violetta sings her way to the heart-rending end of Act III. Bob Crawley's sumptuous period designs beckon the audience into the Paris of the 19th century from the lavish scene of Violetta's party to her country house in the suburbs. Richard Eyre's production is a well-rehearsed formula for The Royal Opera but time after time it draws the crowds with the promise of pure spectacle. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

More info: The Royal Opera: La Traviata Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB
27th November 2011 - 30th December 2011

No Christmas would be complete without a visit to see Tchaikovsky's classic ballet The Nutcracker - and along with productions at the Royal Opera House and the ENO London Coliseum, this short run at The O2 by the Birmingham Royal Ballet is the third major interpretation of Hoffmann's classic in the capital this winter. As midnight chimes a magical Christmas tree starts to grow through the ceiling, marking the start of Clara's journey to the Sugar Plum Fairy's retreat in the Kingdom of Sweets and the Land of Snow. Tchaikovsky famous score - which includes the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and other familiar favourites - is one of the most instantly memorable in all ballet. Choreographed by Peter Wright, with costumes by John MacFarlane, and running between Christmas and New Year from 27 to 30 December, these six performances of one of the best-loved ballets in the world could prove to be the perfect Christmas present for your own little Clara's stocking.

More info: Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD
3rd December 2011 - 18th January 2012

Unless your name's Ebenezer Scrooge, this glittering production of E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker cannot fail to get you in the Christmas spirit. As sure as putting up fairy lights, filling Christmas stockings and having too much mulled wine at the office party, watching Clara dance in front of the Christmas tree at the Royal Opera House is a truly festive thing to do. It's hard to imagine a production more indulgently sumptuous than Peter Wright's restaging of Lev Ivanov's choreography to Tchaikovsky's famous score. From the heart-warming family party of the opening scene to the appearance of the magical kingdom, the action beckons you in, helped every ballet step of the way by Julie Trevelyan Oman's gorgeous, nostalgic designs out of the late 1800s. This is pure spectacle but The Royal Ballet pulls it off with such beauty and style that it's a Christmas cracker...

More info: The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

English National Ballet: The Nutcracker

London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO), WC2N 4ES
7th December 2011 - 30th December 2011

Journey back in time with English National Ballet to an Edwardian world of elegance and join Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the mysterious Drosselmeyer in this traditional tale for all the family at the London Coliseum. The scene is set for a perfect festive celebration as young Clara creeps downstairs to have a peep at her presents on Christmas Eve, but finds herself transported on a night of magical adventures in the Land of Snow. Artistic director Wayne Eagling choreographs the ENO's 10th interpretation of the traditional ballet, with its famous score by Tchaikovsky. The sumptuous frost-covered, gas-lit Edwardian setting is created by Peter Farmer in a production that should put a smile on the face of parents and children alike.

More info: English National Ballet: The Nutcracker Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

New Adventures: Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!

Sadler's Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN
6th December 2011 - 22nd January 2012

Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! returns to Sadler's Wells for a fifth Christmas season this December to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Following young Clara's bittersweet journey from a bleak Christmas Eve at Dr Dross' Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating, snowy winter wonderland to the sugary scrumptious kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky's famous score is brought to life with Anthony Ward's unforgettably OTT sets and costumes - and together with Matthew Bourne's trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, this is a fresh, hip and charmingly irreverent interpretation of a traditional Christmas favourite ("the best it has ever been," according to The Guardian). Hailed by The Observer as "the undisputed king of dance theatre", Matthew Bourne's company New Adventures has produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and last year's sell-out hit, Cinderella. This is the fourth major production of the Nutcracker in London this Christmas - other performances are at the Royal Opera House, London Coliseum and The O2 Arena - and it could well be the best. Not seen in London since the 2003-04 sell-out season, Nutcracker! is back for a strictly limited six week run.

More info: New Adventures: Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Snowman

Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT
30th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

The spirit of Raymond Briggs's The Snowman lives on in this winter wonderland of a stage show, an annual festive fixture at the Peacock Theatre for the 12th consecutive year. This is the theatrical equivalent of going to see Father Christmas in his grotto except infinitely more spectacular - young James's snowman comes to life and the two of them fly across the sky with a full moon behind them, whizz around the stage on a sidecar motorcycle and meet a snow princess and the icy Jack Frost on their night-time adventure. When Father Christmas does appear on the scene it's in a shimmering woodland, surrounded by magical reindeer, comical dancing penguins and a host of snowy friends. As the first notes of 'Walking in the Air' fill the theatre, awe-struck children (and nostalgic adults) are mesmerised by the dancing, storytelling and magic of this timeless adventure. Suitable for children aged 4+.

More info: The Snowman Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Cinderella

Hackney Empire, London, E8 1EJ
26th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

While the future of the Hackney Empire may seem to hinge on the discovery of a golden goose, the annual panto is still on the cards for the popular East End venue. After last year's hilarious Aladdin, Hackney regular Susie McKenna is once again at the helm of this year's rendition of Cinderella. Seasoned West End stars Sophia Ragavelas and Joanna Riding take to the stage as Cinderella and her mean Stepmother - but sadly there's no place for Hackney Empire regular dame Clive Rowe, who is starring in The Ladykillers at the Gielgud Theatre. Throw in two hideous Ugly Sisters, a huge pumpkin, a swanky palace ball, Prince Charming and lots of cute mice, and you get a knockabout comedy adventure of one beautiful girl and her glittering glass slipper, punctuated with show-stopping musical numbers and, no doubt, puns galore. The perfect family treat for Christmas in the East End - let's just hope it's not the Empire's last.

More info: Cinderella Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Potted Panto

Vaudeville Theatre, WC2R 0NH
18th December 2011 - 8th January 2012

If you can't choose which pantomime to see this Christmas, then why not go see them all? CBBC's Dan and Jeff return to the Vaudeville Theatre to perform eight pantomimes in 80 minutes in Potted Panto, which follows in the same vein as their previous hits, 'Potted Potter' and 'Potted Pirates'. Aladdin's tale has a new twist, the first ever Fairy-Godchicken appears on the West End stage, and Dan and Jeff try to work out how they are going to play all seven dwarves. The madcap pair put on "a show full of enjoyably terrible jokes, manic costume changes, buckets of poo and a spirit of anarchic goodwill," according to The Telegraph. And while "the endlessly bright Ant and Dec-style double act is a little wearing for anybody over the age of 10," there is "a strong skeleton and a genuine warmth ... and a great piece of audience participation" that includes Cinderella in 3D, says The Guardian.

More info: Potted Panto Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Jack and the Beanstalk

Shaw Theatre, London, NW1 2AJ
6th December 2011 - 31st December 2011

Starring Linda and Maureen from The Nolans, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Shaw Theatre certainly promises to get you in the mood for dancing - and romancing, we might add (soap dish Devon Anderson, who plays Billie Jackson from Eastenders, takes on the title role). Follow the daring hero Jack as he makes his magical journey to the Giant Blunderbore's Castle in the Sky, and with the help of Good Fairy Sugarsnap (Maureen Nolan) takes on her nemesis, the evil sorceress Venus Flytrap (Linda Nolan). CBBC favourite Chris Stanton (a recent guest on Coronation Street) plays the King, while the hilarious Rodney Ward provides the icing on the pantomime cake as the camp Dame Trott.

More info: Jack and the Beanstalk Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Dick Whittington

New Wimbledon Theatre, London, SW19 1QG
9th December 2011 - 15th January 2012

Dame Edna Everage makes her long-awaited pantomime debut (would you believe it, possums?) this year in Dick Whittington at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Barry Humphries' wisteria-haired Australian housewife-turned-superstar takes on the role of the Spirit of London alongside Dancing on Ice champion Sam Attwater as Dick Whittington and Nickelodeon presenter Anna Williamson as Alice. Sir Richard Whittington, four times Lord Mayor of London, was the medieval inspiration for the original story; a poor lad from Gloucester who came to make his fortune on London's gold-paved streets. The panto version usually has Dick in cahoots with his trusty feline friend, who seeks streets paved with gold but finds himself cast against the dastardly King Rat. The New Wimbledon Theatre's take on this classic tale of rags-to-riches has a live band, some sensational sing-along songs, dazzling dance routines, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation.

More info: Dick Whittington Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Gruffalo: Tall Stories Theatre Company

Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES
23rd November 2011 - 15th January 2012

The Gruffalo is a classic that kiddies just love and a popular Christmas outing, returning to the London stage for the fifth year running. The loveable little mouse will once again be taking a 'stroll through the deep, dark wood'. Threatened by various predators, a snake, an owl and a gruffalo with ''terrible tusks and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws'', the mouse outwits them all. The plot is enchanting and is told by Tall Stories with a winning simplicity. The cast of three manage to transform the Lyric Theatre stage with remarkably few props and a host of infectiously catchy songs, not to mention some superb dance routines and non-stop drama. Many of the memorable lines become catchphrases and are repeated throughout the show in a bid to appeal to the innate 'again, again' approach favoured by children. By the end of the show they can raucously join in with their favourite bits. "A fine piece of children's theatre," says The Sunday Times; "Monstrous fun," says The Daily Mail. Recommended for children aged 3+

More info: The Gruffalo: Tall Stories Theatre Company Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Aladdin

Lyric Hammersmith, London, W6 0QA
19th November 2011 - 31st December 2011

Watch Aladdin rub his magic lamp and be granted three wishes from the infamous Genie at the Lyric Hammersmith's festive pantomime this Christmas. Soho Theatre artistic director Steve Marmion returns to direct his third panto for the Lyric after last year's hit Dick Whittington and his Cat. Writers Joel Horwood and Morgan Lloyd Malcolm also return, while on stage regular Lyric dame Shaun Prendergast takes on the role of Widow Twankey, alongside familiar faces Steven Webb and Simon Kunz. Recommended for ages 6+. Note to locals: the opening night is free for people who live or work in Hammersmith & Fulham.

More info: Aladdin Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Aladdin

Greenwich Theatre, London, SE10 8ES
24th November 2011 - 8th January 2012

For a alternative take on Aladdin free from D-List celebrities head to the Greenwich Theatre this winter. Aladdin's in a bit of a fix: his mother's laundry isn't bringing home the bacon, which is hard for the whole family and their pet panda; what's more, Aladdin is sure to be in trouble after catching a forbidden glimpse of Princess So-Shy... His only hope lies with his rather rum long lost uncle, who offers Aladdin a job and the promise of untold riches. Written by and starring Andrew Pollard, Aladdin promises a fun-filled festive night out for the whole family, complete with a genie, a villain, a magic lamp, plenty of comedy and romance, and some top notch sing-along songs. The annual Greenwich Theatre panto is developing a reputation as one of the capital's best outside of East London - so hop on a Thames Clipper boat down to SE10 and see for yourselves what all the fuss is about.

More info: Aladdin Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Cinderella

Theatre Royal Stratford East, London, E15 1BN
3rd December 2011 - 21st January 2012

The Theatre Royal Stratford East's annual pantomime is a revival of dynamic duo Trish Cooke and Robert Hyman's Olivier-nominated 2007 production of Cinderella. Last year's Little Red Riding Hood won plaudits from far and wide - "This team is capable of wonderful things," said The Times - and local theatre-goers last Christmas voted (at the TRSE's Open Stage project) for this winter's panto to be a remake of the 2007 Cinderella - but with a twist. Promising both sparkle and a few familiar faces, the production will be a whirlwind of lost crystal slippers, a handsome prince, and not one, but three deliciously dames (both the Ugly Sisters and the Wicket Step-Mother will be played by men in frocks). This classic tale is perfect for the whole family, features an original score and is directed by Artistic Director Kerry Michael with Matthew Xia.

More info: Cinderella Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

A Christmas Carol

Greenwich Playhouse, London, SE10 8JA
6th December 2011 - 15th January 2012

Head to the Greenwich Playhouse for a family-friendly stage version of Charles Dickens's timeless festive morality tale this Christmas. The heart-warming tale of good verses greed is brought to life by the multi award-winning Sell a Door theatre company, renowned for its high-quality and dynamic productions. The spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future come to visit Ebenezer Scrooge, the world's most notorious miser, one snowy night - changing the parsimonious old grump's life forever. Featuring a host of Christmas carols and a generous helping of festive cheer, A Christmas Carol is bound to get everyone in the mood for goodwill this December.

More info: A Christmas Carol Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Bagpuss

Soho Theatre, W1D 3NE
22nd December 2011 - 8th January 2012

A certain pink old saggy cloth cat, threadbare and a bit loose at the seams, returns to the Soho Theatre stage this winter for a three-week run around Christmas. Amid the chorus of "Bagpuss, dear Bagpuss, Old Fat Furry Catpuss," take a trip down memory lane to the world of Emily, the mice and their mice organ, Gabriel the toad, Madeleine the rag doll and Professor Yaffle the wooden woodpecker. Based on the original series by Olivier Postgate and Peter Firmin, and produced by the Birmingham Stage Company, Bagpuss features storytelling, songs and puppetry, and while aimed at children from 3 to 7, it will be a treat for nostalgic parents alike. "But Emily did love him so..."

More info: Bagpuss Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt

Criterion Theatre, W1J 0TR
1st December 2011 - 1st January 2012

Oink oink! Everyone's favourite two-dimensional pig is back for another West End adventure this Christmas as the BAFTA award-winning children's cartoon is brought to the Criterion stage for a second year running with Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt. Following on from last year's sell-out success of Peppa Pig's Party, the production team behind LazyTown return with another lively play, which has the actors once again appearing on stage behind their puppets as they tell the story of muddy puddle-loving Peppa Pig and her friends. Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep and Danny Dog are on Grandad Dog's boat, and with Pedro Pony, Freddy Fox and Zoe Zebra - and much audience participation - they start to follow clues to help them find their treasure on a day of adventure for the whole family. There is much use of song and dance to keep young children interested and the show is a sensible length at just one hour with an interval. Suitable for 18 months+.

More info: Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube