Christmas in London is a wonderful time to experience theatre with your kids, from magical ballet to slap-your-thighs panto. Babes about Town presents the annual Top London Christmas shows for families with festive favourites, plus some brilliant baby and toddler friendly shows. Curtains up!
BABES CHOICE: Top London Christmas Shows
Pinocchio, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Desperate to be a real boy, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket. They embark on an exciting journey through alpine forests to the ocean floor. The director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical create a fantastic adaptation of the much-loved tale, with songs from the Walt Disney film. For ages 8+. 2pm & 7pm; £15-£62/child half price (Dec 1-Apr 10)
Winter’s Tales at Print Room at the Coronet, Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB (Notting Hill Gate tube)
Are you sitting comfortably? Now we’ll begin. A charming idea from The Coronet this Christmas sees celebrity guests reading beloved tales in front of a live audience. On the roster are Ben Okri, Emeli Sande, Penelope Wilton, Toby Stephen and Tom Hollander among others. Age ranges vary for readings, from 4+, 5-7, 7-12 and 10-12. 2pm & 6pm; adult £15.50/child £12.50/family £49 (Dec 6-10)
Matthew Bourne: Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The classic tale is reimagined as a war time romance, with a dashing young RAF pilot falling for Cinderella just before they’re parted by the Blitz. Award winning design, a 60 piece orchestra and Matthew Bourne’s trademark style create a dazzling dance production, set to Prokofiev’s unforgettable score. For ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). Tue-Sat at 7.30pm (7pm Dec 30, no eve perf 24, 31 Dec or 28 Jan); Sat Mats at 2.30pm (not Dec 9); Sun Mats at 2pm (not Dec 10); Sun at 7pm (no eve perf 25 Dec, 1 Jan or 29 Jan); Thu Mats at 2.30pm on 21 Dec, 28 Dec, 25 Jan; £12-£68 (Dec 7-Jan 27)
Nativity the Musical at Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH (Hammersmith tube)
You’ve watched the film, now come to the West End premiere of the hit Christmas movie. See the kids at St Bernadette’s School put on their musical nativity, with hilarious results and a feel-good vibe. Starring X Factor’s Louis Walsh as ‘The Hollywood Producer’, West End favourites Daniel Boys (Avenue Q), Sarah Earnshaw (Wicked, Spamalot) and Simon Lipkin (Rock of Ages, Guys and Dolls), Nativity! The Musical brings festive mayhem in Bethlehem. All ages welcome. 7.30pm (Wed & Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5pm (Sun); from £27.75 (Dec 13-17)
Slava’s Snow Show at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
If you’ve never seen Slava’s Snow Show (pictured), then you’re in for a treat. Back by overwhelming demand, the globally renowned one-man circus show blends high drama and clowning to mind-blowing effect! Pure joy and one of the best Christmas shows in London. Recommended for ages 8+, no under 3s allowed. 2.30pm & 7.30pm, also 6pm Suns; £20-£105 (Dec 18-Jan 4)
Peter Pan: Christmas in Neverland at Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, HA9 OAA (Wembley Park tube)
The World’s Biggest Pantomime Ltd creates a spectacular performance of Peter Pan, featuring a cast of over 100 performers and star Martin Kemp. BMX riders, trapeze artists, stuntmen and a 7m long animatronic crocodile bring the Neverland to London, across three arena stages. Watch the Jolly Roger galleon sail around in front of a 10,000 gallon water wall! 3pm & 7pm; £25-£75 – tickets required for ages 2+, babies 18 months and under can sit on carer’s lap for FREE (Dec 29-30)
FESTIVE FAVOURITES
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
The big fella is back by popular demand in this charming staging of Raymond Brigg’s picture book. Father Christmas appears in his (slightly foul mouthed) glory before he flies away on his sleigh for the busy season. Crammed with songs, puppetry and live music, it’s perfect for ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); £10/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Nov 22-Dec 24)
The Snowman, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Top of London’s Christmas shows, The Snowman is now in its 20th year, providing a magical early theatre experience for babies and upwards. This stunning adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book follows a boy and his Snowman pal on a balletic adventure through the wintry wilds. Prepare to be enchanted. Suitable for all ages. 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; £15-£36/family of 4 £115 (Nov 23-Dec 31)
Boing at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
There’s a midnight feast vibe in the brilliant show Boing, that follows two lads who are too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve. Father Christmas won’t show up until they hit the sack, but will these kids ever nod off? This is one of the bounciest, most entertaining dance theatre shows you can watch with your kids, and it’s back by popular demand at Unicorn Theatre. Perfect for ages 2 to 6 and up. HURRY very limited availability, many shows already sold out! Varying times from 10.15am; adult £12-£20/child £12-£14 (Nov 22-Dec 31)
Hackney Empire Panto: Cinderella, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Rags to riches fantasy as Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical) steps into the glass slippers of Cinderella, opposite Chris Jenkins (Billy Elliot) as Prince Charming. Writer/director Susie McKenna is the Wicked Stepmother, with Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters and Krysten Cummings as Fairy Godmother. Loads of slapstick fun, lively song and dance, a flying horse and plenty of sparkle. Cinderella shall go to the Ball, darlings! 2pm & 7.30pm; £10-£36.50, concs available (Nov 23-Dec 31)
The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Roaring into the Arts Depot after a smash-hit West End season, Judith Kerr’s furry tale of a little girl and a surprise guest brings music, visual storytelling, playful characterisation and a touch of magic to the stage. Ages 3+. Varying times including 10am, 1.30pm, 5pm (weekdays), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £9-15 (Dec 5-31)
Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure, O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Disney Princesses, the characters from The Lion King, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Mickey, Minnie and friends are all skating back around the O2 Arena at this full length ice parade, a perfect pick for this year’s Christmas shows. ‘Let it Go’ with Elsa, fly to Neverland with Peter Pan and enjoy a Fit to Dance pre-show with Zootropolis! Shows from 10.30am, 2.30pm & 6.30pm; £32.50 – £61.25/babies under 24 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 20-30)
BABY AND TODDLER FRIENDLY SHOWS
Sponge at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Babies and toddlers are invited to get stuck in with this squishy, squashy show performed byDance company Turned on its Head. Audiences big and small can roll, pop, squeeze and shuffle to a 1970s soundtrack. Great fun for ages 4 months-4 years and their families. 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm; baby-friendly performances (ages 4-18 months) 10.30am Suns (excl. Xmas Eve) and Sat Dec 23; £10-£12.50 (Nov 28-Dec 30)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Live at Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, WC2H 9ND (Leicester Square tube)
Eric Carle’s famously famished caterpillar returns to the Ambassadors Theatre for another of its Christmas shows, with its colourful menagerie of 75 puppets. Rediscover the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and three more Carle books: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly. For ages 2-7, younger ones welcome. 11am & 2pm (Wed-Sun); £15-£27.50 (Dec 2-Jan 7)
Oily Cart: Hush A Bye at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree-top… Oily Cart’s immersive tree-top world is home to some surprising residents… including a tiny baby. How did he get up there and how can we help? Oily Cart’s trademark multi sensory performances combines textures, fragrances and visuals in a delightful show for the very young. Two performances: for ages 0-2 (check for baby-friendly dates) and for ages 3-5. 10.30am & 1.30pm, some shows at 1.15pm, no shows Christmas Day/Boxing Day; £11 (Dec 12-31)
The Egg and Travelling Light Theatre Co present: Snow Mouse at The Pit at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
Winter has arrived in The Pit, where a child runs through woods covered in sparkling snow. The child finds a sleeping mouse and together they explore, slide, laugh and tumble. One performer, one puppet and lots of giggles create a tactile theatre piece for babies, young kids and their families. For ages 3 months to 3 years. 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm; adult £8.50/child £7.50 (Dec 13-23)
Bauble at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Discover baubles in a whole new light. The Story Builders transform Xmas decorations into lightbulbs, alarm clocks, even a place to keep your socks! Can you help them find one special bauble in particular? Sensory play and storytelling for ages 0-3 and carers. 11am & 1.30pm (Mon-Thu), 11am, 1pm & 3pm (Fri-Sun); adult/child ages 2+ £6.50, ages 1+ £2, family £22, under 1s FREE (until Jan 14)
BEST FOR YOUNGER KIDS (AGES 3+)
Once Upon a Snowflake at Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, SW10 0DR (Sloane Square/Earl’s Court tube)
Shadow puppetry, storytelling and original songs from Darren Clark (The Scarecrow’s Wedding) create a colourful whirlwind of tales and adventure. We follow Liza, a sprite with a fascination for snowflakes, and help choose how her quest will end. Ages 3+. 10am & 2pm (Tue, Thu-Fri), 2pm (Wed), 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat-Sun); £12/£10 concs/£9 under 12s (Nov 30-Dec 22)
The Ramshackle House at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Upswing, the brilliant circus crew behind Bedtime Stories presents another stunning mix of theatre, music and visuals. A family that grows up tumbling, balancing and flying have to figure out how to hold their home together, without driving each other crazier. Clowning, acrobatics, dance and dazzling aerial combine in an enchanting production for ages 3+. Varying shows at 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm & 2pm; £12/£10 concs (Dec 4-24)
Guess How Much I Love You at Arts Theatre, Great Newport St, WC2H 7JB (Leicester Square tube)
Little and Big Nutbrown Hare settle down after a bedtime story, and reawaken to discover and explore the joys of different seasons, and to measure their love for each other. This playful adaptation of the beloved picture book leaps to the stage, with puppets, live music and interactive play. Ages 3+. 11am, 1pm & 3pm (varying dates); £14-£22.50 (Dec 6-31)
Puppet Theatre Barge: The Little Christmas Tree, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Visit Little Venice this winter for a festive treat on board the Puppet Theatre Barge. One of our top Christmas shows for 2018 is an atmospheric tale about a boy and his unusual friendship with a tree. Wooden marionettes and shadow puppets create a memorable experience. Age 3+. 11am & 3pm; adult £12, child £8.50 (Dec 9-Jan 7)
The Roundhouse: Shh Bang, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube)
Come to this playful dance theatre show, that looks at sound and silence, inviting kids to reach out and get involved. Two characters enter a world filled with Boings, Whooshes, Tick-Tocks and Cacophony, punctuated by wintry silence and feathers falling from the ceiling. For ages 3+. 4.30pm (Fri), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); adult £10, child £8/family £30 (Dec 15-17)
The Place: What the Moon Saw, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Why not come dressed in your PJs for the ultimate adventure at this interactive circus, dance and music show? Young Jack opens his bedroom curtains and has an encounter with the Moon. Shining bright, his lunar friend takes him on a journey across the globe, teaching him everything he knows. Charming theatre for ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm (Wed), 1pm & 4pm (Thu), 11am (Fri): adult £16/child £8 (Dec 20-22)
Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Scamp Theatre’s brilliantly funny and inventive spin on Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s popular picture book is back, yet again, in the West End for limited Christmas shows. See Stick Man get to the point of snapping, as he tries to get back to his family tree. Live music, puppetry and jokes for ages 3+ and carers. 11am & 1.30pm (Wed-Fri), 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm; adult £21.50/child £16.50/family £65 (until Jan 7)
The Gruffalo’s Child at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
If there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo, then how did he go on to have babies? Follow the adventures of the Gruffalo’s Child in this hit sequel, as he braves it into the woods to find out if the big, scary Mouse exists! Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved picture book returns to Lyric Theatre for Christmas. Ages 3+ (children ages 18 months+ require a ticket). 11am or 2pm (Tue-Fri), 10am & 12pm (Sat-Sun); from £15 (until Jan 7)
BEST FOR BIG KIDS (AGES 5+)
The Lost Boy Peter Pan at Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Rd, Islington N7 9EF (Caledonian Rd tube)
The most famous children’s story of all time gets an exciting new spin at Pleasance Theatre’s Christmas shows selection, a fun alternative to pantomime. Featuring live music and a cast of actor/musicians, Action to the Word presents the tale of Peter who lures Wendy Darling and her brothers to Neverland. Will they ever return or grow up? All ages. 1.30pm, 4pm & 7.30pm; adult £16-£18.50, child £12-£14, family £42 (weekdays), £49 (weekend) (Nov 29-Jan 7)
The Velveteen Rabbit at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
The Velveteen Rabbit, once so loved by his boy, loses his sheen and winds up gathering dust on the nursery floor. He longs to be real, and to be cherished. Then one day, he’s rediscovered and it seems all his dreams might come true… Wonderful Christmas adaptation of the classic book makes a welcome return to the Unicorn Theatre. Ages 5+. Varying times Tue-Sun between 11am-7pm (check website for exact dates/times); adult £16-£24/child £10-£18 (Nov 17-Dec 31)
Battersea Arts Centre: Snow White and Rose Red, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Acclaimed theatre company RashDash present their first family show in London, putting a feminist twist on the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Rose Red likes racing with deer and wolves, Snow White likes painting and storytelling. When a friendly bear appears at their door, there’s no telling where it will lead. Live music, songs and festive elements for ages 5+. Varying dates and times between 10am-7pm, £12.50-£22 (Nov 29-Dec 30)
The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Meet Kai and Gerda, best buddies so close they might be siblings. A dusty attic becomes the Snow Queen’s icy palace, as we get caught up in a storytelling spell, just as Kai is spellbound by the Snow Queen’s frosty kiss. Will Gerda find a way to melt Kai’s heart before he forgets her forever? Ages 5 to 11. Varying times between 11am and 7pm (check times on website); reviews £14/concs £12/general £18.50 (Nov 17-Feb 4)
Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
The festive favourite about Clara and her clever nutcracker doll continues to make audiences swoon at London Coliseum. English National Ballet and their cast of 100+ dancers and musicians bring Tchaikovsky’s magical tale to life. For ages 5+, matinee performances (Tue Jan 3 & Sat Jan 7) are All Ages Welcome shows for under 5s. 7.30pm & 2.30pm (special matinees); £14-£79 (Dec 13-Jan 6)
Wilde Creatures at Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH (Charing Cross/Embankment tube)
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s fairy tales like ‘The Happy Prince’, ‘The Nightingale and the Rose’ and ‘The Birthday of the Infanta’, Tall Stories bring Wilde Creatures to the Vaudeville Theatre. A live band of storytelling musicians bring the stories to life – expect fantastical beasts, forests, palaces and a dash of comedy. Suitable for ages 5-105 (younger ones not admitted). Varying performances at 10am & 12pm, 11am & 1pm, 2pm; from £12.50 (Dec 15-31)
BEST FOR TWEENS (AGES 6-12)
Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
Joy, love and magic beans are at the heart of the Lyric’s Christmas panto, set to be the biggest in memory. Join Jack on his quest for fortune, as he encounters a loveable cow, a massive beanstalk and even more massive giant, and goes on the adventure of his life. Fun characters, music and gigantic laughs. For ages 6+. 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 6pm, & 7pm; £15-£40 (Nov 18-Jan 6)
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
One for slightly older kids, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale by Jack Thorne stars Rhys Ifans, with direction by Matthew Warchus. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean old sort until he’s visited by ghosts of past, present and future and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A heartwarming story filled with music and cheer, aimed at ages 11+ (for haunting, supernatural themes). 7.30pm (Sun-Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat); £12-£67.50 (Nov 20-Jan 20)
The Box of Delights at Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East/Shadwell tube)
Piers Torday presents a gripping adaptation of the popular children’s tale by John Masefield, marking its world stage premiere. Kay Harker is heading home for the holidays by train, his parents are dead, the wolves are on the prowl… He meets magician Cole Hawlings who gives him a Box of Delights, with time travelling powers. Kay must get help from heroes of the past to defeat the evil in his present, and save Christmas itself. Age 7+. 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Tue, Thu, Sat); £20-£35/£15-£30 concs (Dec 1-Jan 6)
La Soiree presents: La Petite Soiree, Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, WC2B 4DF (Covent Garden/Leicester Square tube)
So you’ve heard of La Soiree, the irreverent and hotly saucy show that’s thrilled audiences worldwide. Now they’ve come up with a family friendly version, filled with the spirit of La Soiree but suitable to bring your kids along to. Prepare for a mix of cabaret, circus and comedy, with an element of mischief. For ages 8-80. 3pm (varying dates, check schedule); £15-£49.50 (Dec 4-Feb 3)
Bananaman at Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD (Elephant & Castle/Borough tube)
Experience the Man-of-Peel in an all-singing, all-flying new musical, as he battles supervillains Doctor Gloom and General Blight. Based on the flagship Beano character, and popular ‘80s cartoon, Bananaman follows our slippery superhero on a riotously funny caper, sure to entertain anyone ages 6+. Christmas shows don’t come much fruitier than this! 3pm (matinee) & 7.30pm; £14 previews, £25/concs £25/family £80 (Dec 15-Jan 20)
Christmas in London: 40 Cool Things to do with Kids
