It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with Dubai Opera’s festive line-up
Aselection of noughties British artists and a spectacular ice show are coming to Dubai Opera. The Downtown Dubai venue has unveiled its festive programme into December, with music and dance featuring heavily among the performances. Here’s a list of what to expect.
Cirque de Glace Thursday to Saturday, November 24 to 26
Dubai Opera is set to turn its stage into an ice rink once more for this frosty show (it previously did the same for The Nutcracker on Ice in 2016). This year, a troupe from Russian Ice Stars will perform a series of theatrical acrobatics, dances and contortions on skates, in a show that’s touted to trace the story of human evolution.
There will be high-octane lifts and throws aplenty, ensuring you’ll be gripping the edge of your (socially distanced) seat. Tickets from Dh295, including a welcome drink
Christmas Cracker Thursday, December 10
Among the artists jetting into the UAE ahead of Christmas is Gareth Gates, who will perform as part of Christmas Cracker, a concert featuring Yuletide classics and singalong carols.
The British singer-songwriter was runner-up in the first series of Pop Idol in 2002, the talent show that went on to become The X Factor. He will be joined on the night by Natasha Hamilton, former member of girl band Atomic Kitten.
“This festive extravaganza promises to transport guests
to the magical days of Christmases past, a definite delight for those who want to reign,” says Dubai Opera.
While the pop stars will perform festive classics, guests can also expect renditions of their most famous chart hits. Tickets from Dh225, including a welcome drink.
Santa Baby Friday, December 11
NSO Big Band will put a jazz twist on festive favourites in this concert, which will be performed at 2pm and 8pm.
The band, which brings together musicians from across the UAE, will perform upbeat renditions of classic festive songs such as Everybody’s Waitin’ for the Man With the Bag, Silver Bells and Mariah Carey’s popular All I Want for Christmas is You.
The show will also feature guest jazz musicians and vocalists from Europe and Armenia.
Tickets from Dh190, including a welcome drink
The Simon & Garfunkel Story Saturday, December 19
This concert-inspired show tells the story behind the musical folk duo of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story has already had a sold-out run in London’s West End, as well as a worldwide tour. The show uses projections, photos and film footage alongside live performances and eerily similar vocalists. The two-piece, who rose to fame as one of the bestselling music groups of the 1960s, disbanded in 1970 and went on to forge solo careers, although they did reunite several times.
Expect to hear some of the New York pair’s most recognisable hits, which include Mrs Robinson, Cecilia and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Tickets from Dh145, including a welcome drink
More information is available at www.dubaiopera.com