The Week’s guide to what to book for Christmas

The National Theatre is staging a new version of Pinocchio with songs from the Disney film, adapted by Dennis Kelly (of Matilda the Musical fame.) Ages 8+. 1 December-7 April 2018, London SE1 (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk).

Marcus Brigstocke stars as Barnum in a musical about the great showman. 25 November-3 March 2018, Menier Chocolate Factory, London SE1 (www.menierchocolatefactory.com).

This year brings two new versions of A Christmas Carol. The RSC’S stars Phil Davis as Scrooge. Ages 7+. 27 November-4 February 2018, RSC, Stratford-upon-avon (www.rsc.org. uk). At the Old Vic, Rhys Ifans stars. Ages 11+. 20 November-20 January 2018, The Old Vic, London SE1 (www.oldvictheatre.com).

Expect music, dance and puppets in Jessica Swale’s adaptation of The Jungle Book. Age 6+. 28 November-31 December, Royal & Derngate, Northampton; then touring (www. junglebooklive.co.uk).

New International Encounter’s quirky retelling of Beauty and the Beast got rave reviews last year. This year it is in Bristol. 30 November- 14 January 2018, Tobacco Factory, Bristol (www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com).

The English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is in Southampton (29 November-2 December) and London (13 December-6 January 2018, www. ballet.org.uk); Birmingham Royal Ballet’s is at the Birmingham Hippodrome (24 November-13 December) and the Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (28-31 December, www.brb.org.uk).

For something a bit different, La Clique Noël is staging a festive cabaret-come-circus. 17 November-6 January 2018, Festival Square, Edinburgh (www.edinburghschristmas.com).