Christmas Shows and Pantos in London

The great British tradition of the pantomime is utterly confusing to foreigners, but for those of us who grew up hearing the same crude jokes told by the same celebrities in drag every year, it has a special magic that's all its own. Kids, of course, adore every moment of it, screaming "He's Behind You!", having fits of giggles at the antics of the horse and getting thoroughly into the Christmas spirit. For those who can't quite bear the chaos of panto, there are plenty of more sophisticated options, from witty puppet theatre to new stage versions of classic children's literature...

Peter Pan

New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, SW19
8th December 2006 - 14th January 2007

"Did you find the gypsies camp? No, they were very butch, actually"

Traditional pantomime from the Ambassador Theatre Group, with the usual terrible jokes, D-list celebrities and loads of audience participation. You know you love it.

These celeb-studded shows are always a great laugh, and this one has the added advantage that CBeebies star Sarah-Jane Honeywell has played Peter in panto before, and can sing, act and fly with the best of them. More importantly, there's the chance to see Henry 'The Fonz' Winkler, camping it up as the dastardly Captain Hook. Bobby Davro also stars, but don't let that put you off.

Last year, every theatre in London decided to do Aladdin. This time round it seems to be the turn of the boy who wouldn't grow up, who is appearing in several theatres and one ice rink. This looks like the best of the bunch.

Peter Pan - Information | Hotels near New Wimbledon Theatre

Dick Whittington and his Cat

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2
5th December 2006 - 20th January 2007

Mark Ravenhill seems an unlikely choice as writer of the Barbican's first ever pantomime. Up until now, his speciality has been twisted adult satires, like the charmingly-titled 'Shopping and F***ing'. Still, he is one of Britain's finest young playwrights, and this is the only pantomime set in London, so it's a good choice for our biggest arts centre.

He's promising a thoroughly traditional panto, with all the old jokes you'd expect, and none of his usual dark touches (though the publicity material suggests this might be a little more rat-focussed than the usual Dick Whittington). Songs come from a team that includes Jim Bob, of Carter USM fame, and Kit Hesketh-Harvey (Beautiful and Damned) and top children's entertainer Jeremy Lion.

The real reason to see this show, however, is the dame, played by the wonderful Roger Lloyd Pack - Owen in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and Trigger in 'Only Fools and Horses'. He could have an audience in hysterics just reading a shopping list, and can't possibly fail at pantomime.

Dick Whittington and his Cat - Information | Hotels near Barbican Centre

Grimms: The Final Chapter

Trafalgar Studios, Trafalgar Square, 14 Whitehall, SW1
20th December 2006 - 6th January 2007

For those of you a little tired of the groan-worthy jokes and gaudy Widow Twankys, this is definitely a recommended alternative seasonal feast. Produced by the popular theatre company Horla, this play lands its audience in a dark, wickedly imaginative world. Based on the creepier stories by the Brothers Grimm, as well as Russian folk tales and Roald Dahl stories, this string of staged stories is gruesomely amusing and ideal family entertainment.

There are thirteen in all, each one run through with dark undertones. The story of the witch 'Baba Waga' is done with particular colour and energy. Mime, mask-work, iconic gags and plenty of charging around the stage shrieking all combine to produce a mesmerising episode.

The musicians, actors and puppeteers put so much energy and enthusiasm into their roles, it's almost exhausting to watch. A welcome, grimly comic antidote to the looming panto season that descends upon London this time of year.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Recommended for children aged 6+

Grimms: The Final Chapter - Information | Hotels near Trafalgar Studios

The Snowman

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, off Kingsway, WC2
6th December 2006 - 5th January 2007

Sadler's Wells' sister theatre, The Peacock is the perfect venue for this perennially popular children's show, which features brilliant staging and one of the best-known Christmas themes in the world.

Based on Raymond Briggs' classic cartoon it tells the wordless story of a bond between a boy and his snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve. The two embark on a series of magical adventures together ending at the North Pole, before flying home in time for Christmas morning. This was one of the hottest tickets of last Christmas - it's a brilliant, beautiful production that will enchant adults and children alike. A perfect theatrical treat for all the family in the run up to Christmas.

Book Tickets

The Snowman - Information |Hotels near Peacock Theatre

The Enchanted Pig

The Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1
1st December 2006 - 27th January

The Young Vic has a long tradition of raucously entertaining and highly original family Christmas shows. 2005's Tintin at the Barbican was great fun for fans of the boy reporter, and this Christmas, back in their home for the first time in two years, they're pulling out all the stops. The new auditorium puts the stage right at the heart of the audience, making it a great place to bring kids right into the heart of the action.

'The Enchanted Pig' is, of course, a prince, whose bride Flora has to pursue him beyond the ends of the earth to rescue him from a spell. This sung-through musical comes from 'The Opera Group', whose visual wit and great songs are perfect for telling a really entertaining fairy story.

The last production from this team, 'Tobias and the Angel' was a fabulous retelling of an old Jewish myth, reminiscent of Anthony Minghella's 'storyteller' TV series. This new production promises to be the most inventive Christmas Show of the year.

The Enchanted Pig - Information | Hotels near The Young Vic

The Snow Queen

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15
25th November 2006 - 13th January 2007

A jazzed up version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, the Stratford East have added an essential element of their very own magic to this well-known tale.

When Kai gets stolen away to the frozen North by the terribly evil Snow Queen, aided by a gruesome gathering of troublesome trolls, Gerda, as any best mate would, sets off on a perilous quest to rescue him. And so the adventures begin....

The twist in this particular version is that it's all interactive and the audience will play a big, loud, lively part in helping Gerda and Kai escape to safety. Expect lots of shouting, participation and heaps of seasonal fun. On hand to help you save the young pair are a very raucous raven, a fairly ropey looking reindeer and a whole kaleidoscope of magic tricks.

Clever, lively, innovative and heaps of entertainment, the Theatre Royal have chosen the perfect story for a slightly different fun-filled seasonal show.

Book Tickets

The Snow Queen - Information | Hotels near Osterley Park

Jack and the Beanstalk

Richmond Theatre, The Green, TW9
8th December 2006 - 21st January 2007

Ex-choirboy Aled Jones, is joined by Boycie and Marlene from 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'The Green, Green Grass' for the tale of the boy who exchanges his family cow for a magic bean.

These Ambassador Theatre Group pantos never deviate far from tradition, with the same cries of 'He's Behind You!', dumb puns and silly slapstick every year. It's great to see a couple of genuinely good actors among the celebs in the cast, while former falsetto star Aled Jones should get some good laughs from his now booming baritone.

A classic example of this British Christmas institution.

Jack and the Beanstalk - Information | Hotels near Richmond Theatre

The Mouse Queen

Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3
7th December 2006 - 6th January 2007

One of the most popular pieces of children's theatre to grace the London stage in recent years, we're only too pleased to see 'The Mouse Queen' back in town for Christmas. In the past it's played to packed houses here in London and across the pond in New York.

Combining two of Aesop's fables - 'The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse' and 'The Lion and the Mouse' - it seamlessly blends a mix of human actors and puppets. As with all fables, the play carries a really nice message and it's the power of the unlikely friendship which runs through this play that really strikes a chord with its audience. Endearing, energetic and such fantastic entertainment, it's a work of art that really works hard to meet children at their level in a fun, intelligent way.

Suitable for ages 5+

The Mouse Queen -Information | Hotels near Hampstead Theatre

Cinderella

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8
1st December 2006 - 13 January 2007

The Hackney Empire is a grand old music hall - the type of theatre where the pantomime was invented - and a great place to see this traditional festival entertainment. This year, they're promising an extravagant production of 'Cinderella', with the story of this most dysfunctional family relocated to 1920s London.

Best of all is the Empire's audience, a raucous cross-section from this hugely varied part of London who are almost as entertaining as the show. They keep coming back year after year, getting louder every time, and help make this one of London's top panto venues.

Cinderella - Information | Hotels near Hackney Empire

Watership Down

Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, King Street, W6
23rd November 2006 - 3rd January 2007

The Lyric has gone for something really ambitious for this year's Christmas show, with a stage adaptation of Richard Adams' talking-rabbits adventure. The Lyric's strong tradition of physical theatre will be a big help in bringing these flighty, furry creatures to life. They're promising an acrobatic show with some grand special effects.

The last two Christmas shows here have been fantastic fun, proper adventure stories full of dangerous situations, crafty kids and sly humour. 'Watership Down' is a strange, sometimes disturbing, children's story, mixing cruelty and mysticism with courageous cute animals. If the Lyric live up to their previous work, this could be very good indeed.

Watership Down - Information | Hotels near Lyric Theatre Hammersmith