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A London Christmas 2007: Shows & Pantos
 
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Christmas panto is often children's first experience of the wonderful world of theatre; it's colourful and camp, there's usually a princess for the girls and a baddie for the boys and, whatever the occasion, it's exciting going out after dark when you're knee-high, especially with all the twinkling fairy lights around town. It's a grand old British tradition to round up the whole rabble and traipse off to a show at Christmas time - from curtain-up to standing ovation, we love all the boo-ing banter, screams of 'He's behind you!' and slapstick comedy of the pantomime Dame and hopeless horse. But it's not all tomfoolery and frolicking - there are some truly magical and awe-inspiring shows on London's theatre scene this Christmas that will captivate audiences of all ages. For those among us who really can't cope with the ''oohs" and "aahs" of panto pandemonium, the winter seasons at the Royal Opera House and Coliseum promise to capture a beautiful, cultured Christmas.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2007: Related Articles Traditional London Christmas Map Traditional London Christmas Guide (Printable Version) Sugar & Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food & Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows & Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel & Trimmings | Christmas Day & Boxing Day | Carols & Services | New Year | Fish & Fowl | Greens, Cheese & Delis   A Christmas Carol / Ikrismas Kherol
Young Vic, SE1 8LZ Tuesday 20th November 2007 - Saturday 19th January 2008 A thirty-strong company of South African actors perform the Young Vic's Christmas show this year, with the music and dance of the townships mixing with the plot of Dickens' beloved Christmas ghost stories. In 'Ikrismas Kherol', Victorian England is replaced with the ever-changing economic landscape of the new South Africa, and Scrooge becomes a woman whose success is called into question on Christmas Eve by a visit from the ancestral spirits. The Young Vic is a great venue for song-and-dance, with the audience's closeness to the cast creating a thoroughly infectious atmosphere. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Venue: Young Vic Address: 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ Phone: 020 7928 6363 Date: Tuesday 20th November 2007 - Saturday 19th January 2008 Time: Mon to Sat 19:30, Matinees Sat 14:30 Pricing: £18.50-£24.50 Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube/Rail A Christmas Carol / Ikrismas Kherol - Information  Beauty and the Beast
Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, W6 0QL Thursday 29th November 2007 - Saturday 5th January 2008 Jean Cocteau's cinematic masterpiece 'La Belle et la Bete' is the inspiration for this tale of a beautiful young woman determined to rescue her father from the beast who imprisons him. Cocteau's interpretation of the children's story adds surreal overtones to this tale of love, loyalty and family ties. Taking this as their starting point, Told by an Idiot's production at the Lyric stars a feisty Beauty and features live music and the kind of physical theatre they've used in previous productions at the Lyric: 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter', 'Aladdin', and most recently 'Casanova'. Pint-sized Beauty is played by Lisa Hammond who may be familiar from television dramas and comedy including Peter Kay's Channel 4 'Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere' as well as BBC2 drama 'North Face'. Co-stars include Hayley Carmichael, co-artistic director of Told by an Idiot and Time Out Best Actress Award-winner, and Javier Marzan. Also on the bill are Nick Haverson and Darmesh Patel who have trampled upon these boards before - as well as those of the ENO and the National Theatre - with the 'Improbable' theatre company. Not recommended for under 7s. Venue: Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith Address: King Street, W6 0QL Phone: 08700 500511 Date: Thursday 29th November 2007 - Saturday 5th January 2008 Time: 10:00, 13:30, 18:00, 19:00 | Times vary - check with theatre. Pricing: £13, £17, £23 & £27 (Adults), £10 (Children & Concs), £44 (four tickets inc at least one child) Nearest Station: Hammersmith Tube Beauty and the Beast - Information  Cinderella
Old Vic, SE1 8NB Tuesday 4th December 2007 - Sunday 20th January 2008 Two years after Ian McKellen's magnificent Dame, another of the Stately Homos of England (joke copyright Quentin Crisp) turns his hand to the Old Vic's annual pantomime. Novelist, actor, comedian and professional nice chap Stephen Fry has written a new version of 'Cinderella' that is rich in romance, cross-dressing and cake. Fry's previous forays into theatre have met with limited success, but his love of language, bad taste and genial silliness are well suited to pantomime. The Old Vic can never quite match the raucous atmosphere of more traditional panto venues like the Hackney Empire, but makes great entertainment for people who like their audience participation laced with an iota of intelligence. Venue: Old Vic Address: The Cut, SE1 8NB Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Tuesday 4th December 2007 - Sunday 20th January 2008 Time: Wed to Sat 14:30 & 19:30, Tue 19:30, Sun 13:00 & 17:30 | No matinees Dec 5th, 6th, 7th & Jan 11th, 18th | No shows Dec 24th, 25th, 31st & Jan 1st Pricing: £20-£40 Nearest Station: Lambeth North Tube Cinderella - Information  'Cinderella' and 'Little Cinders'
The Little Angel Theatre, N1 2DN Saturday 10th November 2007 - Sunday 27th January 2008 There are two puppetry productions of Cinderella at the Little Angel this winter; one for children aged five and over and a second, 'Little Cinders', for younger toddlers aged two to five - a pared-down version running for just 30 minutes. Puppets may sound like an old-fashioned idea but in the hands of director Steve Tiplady - who also runs the Little Angel - puppets and marionettes bring new magic to the well-known story by the Grimm Brothers. With Peter O'Rouke's intricate set and puppet designs and music by Hannah Marshall, the Fairy Godmother, pumpkin carriage, missing glass slipper and Prince Charming are all magically recreated. Babies are only admitted at baby friendly shows: Dec 16th & Jan 13th 10:30. Venue: The Little Angel Theatre Address: 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street, N1 2DN Phone: 020 7226 1787 Date: Saturday 10th November 2007 - Sunday 27th January 2008 Time: Cinderella: Wed to Sun | Little Cinders: Thu & Sun (from Dec 2nd 2007) | Times vary - check with theatre. Pricing: £8-£10 (Adults), £6-£8 (Children & Concs), Free (Under 2s at baby friendly shows) Nearest Station: Angel Tube 'Cinderella' and 'little Cinders' - Information  Jack and the Beanstalk
Barbican Theatre, EC2Y 8DS Saturday 1st December 2007 - Saturday 12th January 2008 When the Barbican commissioned 'Shopping and F***ing' author Mark Ravenhill to write their first ever panto last year it was quite a departure for the theatre. The production, however, was met with enthusiasm from even the most high brow reviewers. Audiences clearly agreed, as they're repeating the exercise again this year. This time, the classic 'Jack and the Beanstalk' takes to the stage, penned by Jonathan Harvey who was responsible for 'Closer to Heaven', 'Beautiful Thing', 'Boom Bang-A-Bang' and 'Gimme Gimme Gimme'. So we can expect humour above and beyond the hilarious 'He's Behind You!' gags, and there'll be some new characters to spice up the old tale of the boy who exchanges his family's cow for a magic bean. Playing Princess Melody is ex Hear'Say member Suzanne Shaw while comic Mel Giedroyc (from 'Mel and Sue' fame) plays 'Fairy Liquid'. Yes it's silly and slapstick but that's what makes it great fun, family entertainment. Venue: Barbican Theatre Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Phone: 08451 207550 Date: Saturday 1st December 2007 - Saturday 12th January 2008 Time: Various | No performances Dec 2nd, 9th, 10th, 17th, 24th-26th & Jan 1st or 7th Pricing: £8-£35 (kids go half price) Nearest Station: Barbican Tube Jack and the Beanstalk - Information  La Cenerentola
Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD Monday 17th December 2007 - Wednesday 9th January 2008 If the thought of Danny La Rue dressed up in drag as the Fairy Godmother is enough to send you over the edge this Christmas, The Royal Opera's 'La Cenerentola' may be just the thing. An operatic take on the famous fairytale 'Cinderella', this production is a classic Christmas night out without any of the booing, aaaaahs or "He's behind you!" lines. In fact, Rossini even did away with all the magic touches found in the traditional story so there's not a wand or a pumpkin in sight on the esteemed Royal Opera House stage. Our Cinders, Angelina, sung by Magdalena Kozena in her Royal Opera debut, arrives at the ball in a limo and the whole production is styled with 1950s glamour. The soft elegance, picture-perfect backdrops and uplifting music sweep you majestically into this enduring opera. Venue: Royal Opera House Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Monday 17th December 2007 - Wednesday 9th January 2008 Time: Dec 17th & 20th, Jan 2nd, 7th, 9th 19:30 | Dec 22nd, 26th, 29th 19:00 | Dec 31st 18:30 | Jan 4th 12:30 Pricing: £6-£165 Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube La Cenerentola - Information  Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!
Sadler's Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN Thursday 13th December 2007 - Sunday 20th January 2008 This is pure imagination let loose; 'Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!' at Sadler's Wells is a kaleidoscopic, fantastical, glittering gem of a show with a few more Christmas sparkles on top. Over the top, certainly. Magical, oh yes. And, without a doubt, one of the most theatrical ballets of modern times. It's the humorous eccentricity of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (there is a Sweetieland, after all) mixed with the razzmatazz of 'Moulin Rouge', but with a thread of such beauty running through it that it fuses joyfully with Tchaikovsky's wonderful score. In the first break with tradition the sumptuous festive party of the opening scene becomes a Gothic-style Christmas at an orphanage, making the transition to the swirling snowscape and storybook kingdom even more dramatic. It's like walking through a vivid dream with the eyes of childhood innocence; colours leap from the stage and the action is a whirlwind of events, all tinged with Matthew Bourne's signature style that is both hip and funny. Photo: Catherine Ashmore Venue: Sadler's Wells Theatre Address: Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Thursday 13th December 2007 - Sunday 20th January 2008 Time: Tue to Sun 19:30 (except Christmas Day), Sat & Sun 14:30 | Dec 20th, 27th & Jan 3rd 14:30 Pricing: £10-£49 Nearest Station: Angel Tube Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker - Information  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19 1QG 7th December 2007 - 20th January 2008 Actor Ross Kemp - aka Grant from 'EastEnders' - stars in the "Hi-Ho! Hi-Ho!" tale of Snow White and her seven grumpy, happy, sleepy and bashful little people. With Bobbo Davro as Muddles the Court Jester, 'Snow White' - with Aimie Atkinson in the title role - is set to be a Christmas special. Kids love this classic fairy tale of the Wicked Queen and the poisoned apple, and in this hilarious pantomime production there's plenty to keep the adults entertained too - not least seeing Kemp as the villainous henchman. Spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, comedy, bags of audience participation and entertaining song and dance routines make this a fun family outing. Everyone can sing along to well-known songs from the Disney film including 'Heigh-Ho', 'Some Day My Prince Will Come' and 'Whistle While You Work', the theme tune for those industrious dwarfs. The moral of the story may be a little dated as the prince comes to save the day, but it's a safe bet that there's a 'happily ever after' ending. Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre Address: The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG Phone: 08700 606646 Date: Friday 7th December 2007 - Sunday 20th January 2008 Time: 14:00 & 19:00 most days | Check with theatre. Pricing: £12-£24 (plus booking fee) Nearest Station: Wimbledon Tube / Rail Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Information  The Gruffalo's Child
Arts Theatre, WC2H 7JB Wednesday 28th November 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 In London for another stint on the stage, the world's most friendly monster, the Gruffalo, is back, scaring and entertaining children in equal measure. His warning to his child not to go into the deep, dark wood where the mouse lives, falls on deaf ears and so the adventure begins. Threatening predators we've met before in the original Gruffalo story - the snake, owl, fox and mouse - are all here, convincingly portrayed by just three actors. Songs that you'll want to sing-a-long to, even if you are over the target audience age, and a stage that looks like something out of a storybook make this a wonderful production. Many of the memorable lines become catchphrases and are repeated throughout the show appealing to the 'again, again' approach favoured by children. By the end of the show they can join in with their favourite bits. The play really does work hard to pitch the tone of the show at young children and employs special motifs to appeal to them. It's all incredibly imaginative and a lovely addition to the festive calendar for young kiddies. Recommended for children aged 4+ Venue: Arts Theatre Address: 6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JB Phone: 08700 601742 Date: Wednesday 28th November 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 Time: Tue & Fri 11:00, Wed & Thu 11:00 & 13:30, Sat & Sun 13:30 & 15:30 Pricing: £14.50 (Adults), £9.50 (Children) Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube The Gruffalo's Child - Information  The Nutcracker
The Coliseum, WC2N 4ES Wednesday 19th December 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 Like unwrapping a Christmas present or wandering through a dream, 'The Nutcracker' has all the wide-eyed suspense of something unexpected about to happen. Senses are heightened by cartoonist Gerald Scarfe's storybook sets and, as the dancers start to twist and turn through the pages of this pop-up production, fact and fiction melt together. The much-loved tale of little Clara's adventures as she witnesses the growing Christmas tree, travels to the Land of Snow and comes to face-to-face with the Sugar Plum Fairy is given a fresh perspective by some theatrical gems. Snowflakes do sprightly leaps out of a giant fridge, the mice burst onto stage with machine guns and gas masks to do battle and the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' lives up to Tchaikovsky's twinkling score. Children and the young at heart will just love the magic and sparkle of this Christmas production. Venue: The Coliseum Address: St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4ES Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Wednesday 19th December 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 Time: 14:30 & 19:30 | Dec 23rd, Dec 30th & Jan 6th 15:00 Pricing: £8-£60 Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube The Nutcracker - Information  The Snow Queen
The Coliseum, WC2N 4ES Tuesday 11th December 2007 - Sunday 16th December 2007 Images of C.S Lewis's White Witch spring to mind at the mention of 'The Snow Queen' and these two fantastical characters are not a million miles apart. In fact, they could be sisters and probably inhabit the exact same frosty land where it is forever winter and they can work their evil spells over innocent children. All sound a bit nightmarish before Christmas? Never fear, in Hans Christian Andersen's quintessential fairytale, good will prevail in the end. The story goes that young Kay's heart turns bad when he catches a sliver of the Snow Queen's mirror in his eye. He is captivated by her beauty and is off to her palace in the far frozen north before you can say "rescue mission". Luckily Kay's friend Gerda is waiting in the wings with a reindeer (it is Christmas after all) to break the spell. Add 64 dancers, the English National Ballet's full orchestra, and a sprinkling of fairy dust and you've got a spectacular Christmas production at the Coliseum. Venue: The Coliseum Address: St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4ES Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Tuesday 11th December 2007 - Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: Dec 11th - 15th 19:30 | Matinees Dec 13th, 15th & 16th Pricing: £8-£60 Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube The Snow Queen - Information  The Snowman
Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT Wednesday 5th December 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 Who can forget Aled Jones's dulcet tones singing 'Walking in the Air' in the animation of Raymond Briggs's beautifully-illustrated book 'The Snowman'. Aled has since moved on from his choirboy days (finding fame switching on Christmas lights, appearing in panto and presenting 'Songs of Praise') but the spirit of 'The Snowman' lives on in this winter wonderland of a stage show. This is the theatrical equivalent of going to see Father Christmas in his grotto except infinitely more spectacular - a young boy'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, dancing penguins and a host of snowy friends. As the first notes of 'Walking in the Air' fill the theatre, the heart-melting factor will not disappoint as awe-struck children (and adults) are mesmerised by the dazzling light show of snow. Suitable for children aged 2+ Venue: Peacock Theatre Address: Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Wednesday 5th December 2007 - Sunday 6th January 2008 Time: Schedule varies with shows at 11:00, 14:30 & 19:00 | No shows on Dec 11th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 25th & Jan 1st Pricing: £12-£30 | Family Ticket £90 (four tickets inc at least one child) Nearest Station: Holborn Tube The Snowman - Book Tickets  War Horse
National Theatre: Cottesloe Theatre, SE1 9PX Monday 8th October 2007 - Saturday 12th January 2008 Following the blistering entertainment of 'Coram Boy' and 'His Dark Materials', the National Theatre embarks on another adaptation of an epic children's book, Michael Morpurgo's World War I epic 'War Horse'. When his beloved horse Joey is shipped off to the front lines, Albert, still too young to enlist, embarks on a mission to bring him home. The book - told from the horse's point of view - is a genuine classic, packed with terrifying cavalry charges, gruff humour, and moments of rich emotion that are more than capable of reducing entire first-year classes to tears. Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris' production is hugely ambitious, using life-size puppets for the horses. Given the National's recent record with large-scale children's theatre, this should be very good indeed. An interesting alternative for Christmas in the West End. Suitable for children aged 12+ Venue: National Theatre: Cottesloe Theatre Address: South Bank, SE1 9PX Phone: 020 7452 3000 Date: Monday 8th October 2007 - Saturday 12th January 2008 Time: 19:30, Matinees 14:30 | Times vary - check with theatre. Pricing: £10-£40 Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail War Horse - Information
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