Unmissable events
Exhibition Until January 5, 2019 ‘Once Upon a Time’, The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford. A journey through the history of fairytales and magical stories— including Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, Peter Pan and The Emperor’s New Clothes—through the works of artists and illustrators from the 19th century to the present day (such as They Came to the Warm Countries by Michael Foreman, from Thumbelina, right). There will also be 50 rare books on display (01865 319450; www.thenorthwall.com)
Until December 21 ‘Su Blackwell: Folk Tales, Forests and the Sea’, Long & Ryle, John Islip Street, London SW1. Using her scalpel and collection of books, the artist cuts and glues the pages to create enchanting miniature dioramas, lit and encased in glass and wood boxes, ‘like Victorian relics found in a museum of intrigue’ (020–7834 1434; www. longandryle.com)
Theatre Until December 22 A Christmas Carol, various venues. This touring adaptation is a celebration of the 175th anniversary of the publication of Dickens’s classic festive tale, in aid of the children’s charity Barnado’s. See website for dates, venues and prices (01622 756605; www.europeanarts.co.uk)
Until December 23 The Greatest Snowman, Pedley Street Station, London E1. Board a luxury train carriage for an evening of espionage, make-believe and Christmas adventure. The immersive experience includes a delicious fourcourse meal. Tickets from £56 (www.funicularproductions.com) Cinema Until January 6, 2019 Royal Opera House Cinema Festival, Bow Street, London WC2. Screenings of 21 ballets and operas in the newly refurbished Linbury Theatre, including Sylvia, The Magic Flute, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Cendrillon, The Flying Dutchman, The Winter’s Tale and Swan Lake. Adult tickets from £10, free child tickets available for Saturday and Sunday matinees (020–7304 4000; www.roh.org.uk)
Fair December 6 Festive Fair, Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park. The Spa and Courtyard, located in the Georgian manor’s 18th-century stable block, will host a Christmas market with a range of gifts for sale—both from the Four Seasons’ own range and local businesses—plus mulled wine, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. 6pm–9pm, free entry with food and drink tickets also available (01252 853011; www. fourseasons.com/hampshire) Carol service December 12 Christmas Carol Service, St Barnabas Church, Pimlico, London SW1. The evening, hosted by Strutt & Parker and BNP Paribas Real Estate, will feature the company’s in-house choir, The S&pranos, and is in aid of Shelter From The Storm, a London charity supporting the homeless. From 7pm, followed by wine and mince pies. Free entry with donations on the night. RSVP to events@ struttandparker.com
Book now December 21 and 22 Medieval Banquets at Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire. Dine like a king or queen in the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey Domus, which will once again echo with the sounds of feasting and frivolity. Within the ancient stone walls, you will enjoy mead served alongside great platters of meat, vegetables and potatoes. After dining, wander along the spectacular Tunnel of Light. £39.50pp (01590 614787; www.beaulieu.co.uk)