Wondering what to see over the Christmas period? With a range of shows on offer, from traditional ballets to family shows and old favourites such as Christmas Carol, it can be difficult to choose a category let alone a show.
Beginning with Ballet, there are numerous versions of the Nutcracker being performed this Christmas, and your choice of production may be down to price and/or whether you prefer a live orchestra to accompany the dancers as opposed to recorded music.
At the Harlequin, the Nutcracker is being performed on 18th November, and at the later date at the Hawth on 21st December. However, if you prefer a full live orchestra, English National Ballet are performing at the Coliseum, while the Birmingham Royal Ballet have an adapted staged version in the Royal Albert Hall for a limited period.
And if you are all nutted out with this ballet, Matthew Bourne's fantastic adaptation of Cinderella is a must-see. The story has been totally re-worked based during the Blitz.
As well as ballets, there are many other family shows available during the Christmas season this year.
Snow White and Rose Red is about 2 sisters with completely different characters who face tough times and gives out a strong girl power message to all. Accompanied by rock songs, jokes and puppetry, this show is a good alternative to a pantomime. This can be seen at Battersea Arts Centre.
However if panto is your thing, then look no further than Snow White and the Severn Dwarfs, which stars Stephen Mulhern and Reigate School of Ballet's Lucy Genge. We wish her luck performing at the Hawth in Crawley between 8th December and 7th January.
If you want to stick to dance, and want an alternative to ballet, it may be worth checking out the Joss Arnott Tripe Bill at the Hawth. We suggest slightly older pupils see this show and may be the ticket for those who do ballet and contemporary / lyrical dance.
For musicals, NATIVITY is being staged at the Hamersmith Apollo - a fun staged version of the film in which a school teacher promises Hollywood producers will be watching their nativity, but things don't go according to plan. Well worth a watch.
If you like traditional, then there's nothing better than Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'. This version is at the Old Vic in Southwark and stars Rhys Ifans. Suitable for teenagers.
And if you like Disney, the National Theatre are staging Pinocchio at the South Bank Centre, with all the classic songs from the original film including 'When you Wish Upon a Star'.
Whichever production you see, we always recommend watching live theatre as much as possible, and gives children an alternative view on life and culture.
Happy (early) Christmas
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