Christmas isn’t just about panto you know. Here are the best alternative festive shows inWales Christmas shows that ain’t nothing like a dame
IF DAMES and wicked witches aren’t your thing, there are plenty of alternative shows to keep you entertained this December and still get you into the Christmas spirit.
From a live adaptation of your favourite Christmas movie to ballet and cabaret, take your pick of what else our theatres and venues have to offer.
MATILDA
Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a clever mind, is determined to change her own destiny, even if it means being a little bit naughty.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
When: Tuesday, December 4 until Saturday, January 12
■ www.wmc.org.uk
ELF – A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
The arena show features special effects including a giant sleigh flying across the arena, an indoor snow blizzard, an iceberg journey and an amazing cast of 100 performers including up to 70 children.
The show will be performed across a 70ft wide and 60ft long stage, with some scenes taking place around and above the audience.
The staging will be enhanced with giant screens, showing both computer graphic backdrops and live action close-ups. Where: Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff When: Friday, December 14 to Sunday, December 16
■ ticketmaster.co.uk
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD & ALICE IN WONDERLAND
The Sherman have two classic fairytales on over December.
Little Red Riding Hood is perfect for the under- sevens, while Alice in
Wonderland is more suited to ages seven and above.
Where: Sherman Theatre, Cardiff When: Various dates until Saturday, December 29
■ www.shermantheatre.co.uk THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
Aberystwyth Arts Centre Community Theatre Company present a festive and original adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children. Follow the adventures of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis from joyous mischief to heroic escapades in the Edwardian Yorkshire countryside. Where: Aberystwyth Arts Centre When: Thursday, December 20 to Saturday, December 22
■ www.aberystwythartscentre. co.uk RUSSIAN STATE BALLET & ORCHESTRA OF SIBERIA
The season starts with Snow Maiden (December 19-20 ) and continues with The Nutcracker (December 21-24). Swan Lake is on from December 27-31 and the series climaxes with world’s favourite rags to riches fairytale, Cinderella (December 30 -31).
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff When: Wednesday, December 19
until Monday, December 31 ■ www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk ONLY MEN ALOUD
Celebrating a decade since they won Last Choir Standing the boys are back out on tour to celebrate in style. Where: The Hafren, Newtown/ Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon When: Saturday, December 15/ Friday, December 21
■ www.ticketmaster.co.uk
HANSEL, GEDEON AND THE GRIMMS’ WOOD
This Christmas, join Odyssey – Hijinx’s community theatre group – as they follow Hansel and Gedeon on their adventure into the woods. Hansel, Gedeon and the Grimms’ Wood is a sparkling new production for the whole family, written by Llinos Mai, and features a large cast of disabled and non-disabled performers from Odyssey and Woodlands High School.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
When: Tuesday, December 6 to Thursday, December 8
■ www.wmc.org.uk ICONS
Global cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat explores the songs and music of his personal icons, including Kate Bush, Whitney, Meatloaf and Pavarotti.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
When: Tuesday, December 18 to Saturday, December 22 ■ www.wmc.org.uk LOVE ACTUALLY WITH A LIVE ORCHESTRA
Fans of Love Actually are in for a really special treat this Christmas as the popular Richard Curtis film will be screened in Cardiff with a live orchestra accompaniment.
The romantic score, by Craig Armstrong, will be played as the movie, which stars Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon, is shown on the big screen at St David’s Hall. Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff When: Monday, December 3
■ www.ticketmaster.co.uk THE WEST END AT CHRISTMAS Stars from the West End present a magical evening of entertainment featuring hits from the musicals and the best of Christmas songs. Where: Carmarthen/Neath/Abertillery/Brecon/Ystradgynlais/Monmouth
When: Various dates in December. ■ thewestendinconcert.com
DUCKIE
Duckie is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling with a message of tolerance and self-acceptance at its core.
Family friendly glamour and glitz takes centre stage as critically acclaimed cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat breaks out of his shell in his first work for children, a classic tale of identity and belonging. Where: Wales Millennium Centre,
Cardiff
When: Thursday, December 20 to Monday, December 31
■ www.wmc.org.uk