The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Review
Bring on the biking reindeer!
As we hurtle towards the season of goodwill – and panto baddies – our critics pick the 50 hottest tickets, from Aladdin to Wonka
A Christmas Carol
Now in its seventh year at the Old Vic, Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s fable is deeply humane, and Matthew Warchus’s handsome production features Victorian carolling and mince pies. Christopher Eccleston is this year’s Scrooge.
Old Vic, London SE1 (oldvictheatre. com), until Jan 6
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Birmingham Rep is the doorway to Narnia this Christmas. Sally Cookson’s tender wartime adaptation of CS Lewis is thoroughly theatrical, with inventive use of suitcases, puppets and astonishing aerial stunts. Birmingham Rep, Birmingham (birmingham-rep.co.uk), until Jan 28
The Witches
The National’s bold new Roald Dahl adaptation – by Tony-nominated composer Dave Malloy and Olivierwinning playwright Lucy Kirkwood – promises to be a darkly entertaining cracker. Katherine Kingsley stars as the scheming Grand High Witch. National Theatre, London SE1 (nat ionaltheatre.org.uk). until Jan 27
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
There’s no bigger seasonal celebration in the UK than Thursford’s old-school combination of circus, comedy, song and dance, delivered by a cast of 130. Steam engines and Wurlitzers bring added nostalgia. Thursford, Norfolk (thursford.com), until Dec 23
The Box of Delights
The RSC brings John Masefield’s classic novel to the stage, the story of orphaned schoolboy Kay, who must guard a magical box from evil forces – and save Christmas.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (rsc.org.uk), until Jan 7
Wishmas: A Fantastical Christmas Adventure
This immersive experience has been created by the talents behind Punchdrunk and Secret Cinema. Explore the enchanted realm where Christmas wishes are sent, and indulge in treats from Fortnum & Mason and Pip Organic.
Old Bauble Factory, Waterloo, London SE1 (wishmas.co.uk), until Jan 7
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Netflix’s sci-fi sensation comes to the stage with a 1950s-set prequel. It promises similar escapades and jump-scares, and tantalising clues for the television show’s final season. Phoenix Theatre, London WC2 (uk.strangerthingsonstage.com), until Aug 25
My Neighbour Totoro
First seen last year, the RSC’s smash hit turns Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1988 animation, about two sisters communing with rural spirits, into awe-inspiring theatre. It has the soul of a family Christmas show, and truly awe-inspiring puppets. Barbican, London EC2 (barbican. org.uk), Tues-Mar 23
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
The jolly Christmas edition of Mischief Theatre’s slapstick comedy franchise sees the usual am-dram show-within-a-show descending into magnificent chaos – and, of course, Peter Pan is meant to fly… Lyric Theatre, London W1 (mischief comedy.com), Thurs-Jan 14
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story
Mark Gatiss’s spooky dramatisation of Dickens is particularly attuned to the story’s otherworldly elements. Keith Allen plays the curmudgeonly Scrooge while Peter Forbes is his ghostly partner Marley.
Alexandra Palace, London N22 (christmascarolonstage.co.uk), Fri-Jan 7
Oliver!
You’ll be even more grateful for your Christmas food (glorious food) after watching that wide-eyed Dickensian orphan ask for more. James Brining’s production of Lionel Bart’s chipper musical stars Steve Furst as Fagin.
Leeds Playhouse, Leeds (leedsplay house.org.uk), Fri-Jan 27
The Snow Queen
Can Gerda rescue her best friend Kaj from the heartless Snow Queen? Alex Byrne’s snow-dusted production sees the talented cast also performing an original acoustic score. And there are cycling reindeer, too. Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol (tobaccofactorytheatres.com),
Dec 1-Jan 15
Peter Pan
There are plenty of panto Pans this Christmas, but for JM Barrie without the gags, try this spell-binding journey into Neverland, adapted by Evan Placey and Vikki Stone.
Rose Theatre Kingston, London KT1 (rosetheatre.org), Dec 1-Jan 7
Brief Encounter
Emma Rice’s swoon-worthy musical adaptation of Nöel Coward’s doomed romance, directed by Sarah Frankcom, is perfect for a Christmas date night. Add a pre-theatre tea and illicit bun for maximum impact.
Royal Exchange, Manchester (royalexchange.co.uk), Dec 2-Jan 13
Christmas Actually
Richard Curtis (whose Love Actually remains a divisive Christmas movie) curates this variety show fundraiser for Comic Relief. Celebrity guests will join the cast in performing music, stories, poetry and comedy, against a backdrop of illustrations from well-known artists. Southbank Centre, London SE1 (southbankcentre.co.uk), Dec 7-11
Hansel and Gretel
This year’s Globe offering is a fresh, family-friendly take on the Brothers Grimm by poet laureate Simon Armitage. Expect plenty of music and magic.
Shakespeare’s Globe, London SE1 (shakespearesglobe.com), Dec 8-Jan 7
White Christmas
This stage version of the 1954 movie musical promises to be an irresistible festive charmer. Ignore the bonkers plot and luxuriate in those delectable Irving Berlin songs. Paul Foster directs.
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield (sheffield theatres.co.uk), Dec 9-Jan 13
The Wizard of Oz
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to this classic musical, which combines songs from the film with additions by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. JLS’s Aston Merrygold and drag artist The Vivienne star. Liverpool Empire, Liverpool (atgtickets.com), Dec 13-Jan 7
The Jungle Book
Chichester supplies energetic, family-friendly fun with its youth theatre show: Sonali Bhattacharyya’s dramatisation of Rudyard Kipling’s coming-of-age yarn, featuring original songs by Ruth Chan. Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester (cft.org.uk), Dec 16-31
The beloved cartoon dog is brought into the third dimension in this lively stage production created using a combination of puppets and voices pre-recorded by the television show’s cast. Looks sure to be a school Christmas-holiday saviour for families with younger children. Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (southbankcentre.co.uk), Dec
20-Jan 7