Here’s a guide to some of the festive shows that audiences can enjoy this Winter.
A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre:
Returning for its 10th anniversary, Jack Thorne’s beloved adaptation of this classic story will take to the Old Vic stage from the 10th November until the 9th January. This time it is Giles Terera who will star as Ebenezer Scrooge. Since first being seen on the Old Vic stage, the production has managed to raise £2.3m globally over the past nine years. This year collections will support FoodCycle, which provides free community meals made from food that would otherwise go to waste.
The Wind in the Willows, Rose Theatre:
From the 25th November until the 3rd January, the Rose Theatre in Kingston bring to the stage another classic children’s story for their festive production. Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame and directed by Owen Horsley, join Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad of course for an adventure along the river bank!
Dick Whittingberg Gets into a Pickle, JW3:
For a pantomime with a bit of a twist, why not head to JW3 from the 6th December until the 3rd January to catch this unique spin on Dick Whittington. This is the fourth year that JW3 has put on a pantomime, following on from Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig (2024 Offie Nominated, Outstanding Performance), Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah (2025 Offie Nominated, Outstanding Production; Pantomime Award nominated, Best Newcomer) and last year’s Cinderella and the Matzo Ball.
Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem, Stratford East:
Why not head to Stratford East for some family fun this Christmas? As always, the story has firm roots in East London and sees a new hero at the centre of the story as Robin Hood and his band of Merry Mandem zip across East London streets, stations, shops and estates. It will run at the theatre from the 21st November until the 2nd January.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Woking Theatre:
Hoorah! Brian Conley is set to star in Woking Theatre’s annual pantomime, helping to bring the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears to life with plenty of fun along the way from the 4th December until the 3rd January.
The London Palladium’s iconic pantomime returns once more from the 5th December until the 10th January with another stellar cast including a reunion on stage for Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders!
The Nutcracker, English National Ballet, London Coliseum:
Would it even be Christmas if we didn’t include a production of The Nutcracker? Join the company of English National Ballet as they bring Clara’s adventures to life from the 17th December until the 10th January.
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, Alexandra Palace:
This new take on the adventures famous detective and Dr Watson features new songs by Tim Rice and Howard Goodall. It centres around a bunch of performers who are dropping dead and it is up to Sherlock Holmes to discover who is behind it all before they strike again – particularly when it seems as though there is a link to the classic festive song 12 days of Christmas….
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Wyndham’s Theatre:
For a take on A Christmas Carol that is slightly more chaotic and filled with plenty of laughter, then you will welcome Mischief’s Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, playing for a limited time from the 18th December until the 23rd January 2027.
The Jungle Book, National Theatre:
Anupmama Chandrasekhar’s adaptation of The Jungle Book will play at the Olivier Theatre from the 13th November until the 6th February. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the production will feature innovative puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes to bring this classic story to life and capture the audience’s imaginations.