1. Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre
Although Billy Elliot isn’t a Christmas musical it is a perfect show to see over the festive period. The production is incredibly inspiring and uplifting and the opening scene of the second act is set over the Christmas period. The dancing is breathtakingly stunning, the music is incredible and the text is hilarious. You can’t go wrong with Billy Elliot. (Billy Elliot contains strong language, 8+)
2. Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre
Dirty Dancing is simply provides a light-hearted, fun night out at the theatre. The production is literally the film on stage, even the soundtrack is the same! Night after night audiences jump to their feet and dance and sing-along to the famous finale ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’. The stage show is a must-see for any lover of the iconic movie, especially as the West End run ends in February next year.
3. Eat Pray Laugh: Barry Humphries Farewell Show at the London Palladium
Outrageous, striking and fearless are just several adjectives which describe the one and only Dame Edna and her almighty farewell show which runs at the London Palladium until early January. If you have never seen Barry Humphries perform live this really is your last chance, he bounces off the audience superbly and provides a naughty but fun night out.
4. Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Fans of P.G. Wodehouse will adore this production. I saw the show last month and feared some people would fall out of their seat as they were laughing so hard. Stephen Mangan and Matthew Macfadyen give terrific performances as the iconic double act in the premiere of this new play which provides a good laugh and lots of escapism.
5. The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre
If you fancy taking the kids to the theatre over the festive season, perhaps for the very first time, look no further than Tall Stories’ production of The Gruffalo. The show is just under an hour and features audience participation to keep everybody engaged. The Gruffalo draws in children with a magical set, simple songs and fun choreography.
Andrew Tomlins