What’s opening in London theatres this month? (December 2022)

Posted on Dec 2, 2022 | By Kevin Thomas (Updated on Dec 5, 2022)

Oh, December, the month of nostalgia and mulled wine. As the Christmas classics shoot up the charts, the fluffy socks are pulled out of the drawer and the Christmas movies are played once, twice…maybe three times more. The warmth and sweet retreat of London theatres welcome you with open arms as Christmas approaches in the West End, so, what shows are opening in London theatres this month, and which ones will end up on your Christmas list?

Bugsy Malone (3 December)

The smash-hit movie of the same name catapulted Jodie Foster and Scott Baion into to global superstardom for good reason. The charming Bugsy Malone movie remains unlike anything else of its time.

This Christmas, step back into 1929 New York. Discover a city of mobsters antics, dreamers and showgirls in this gangster spoof spectacle. It’s the prohibition era, and between rival mob bosses Dandy Dan and Fat Sam - there is anarchy, tension, a splurge gun…and flying custard pies. That’s where Bugsy comes into the equation, an ex-boxer and self-professed nice guy, Bugsy finds himself stuck between the lovely Blousey and sensual Tallulah, all whilst trying to defend Fat Sam. There’s confusion, a prohibition nightmare and a gangster's paradise, but within the mess - will Bugsy continue to be Mr Nice Guy?

Book your tickets for Bugsy Malone today!

Circus 1903 (15 December)

From all four corners of the globe, a marvellous cast of circus acts has united in celebration of the very best of diverse entertainment. Circus 1903 is world-class, it’s jaw-dropping, and this Christmas, Circus 1903 lets the daredevil talent do the talking!

With masterful puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse, muscled men who could lift a small village, contortionists who can bend into any shape at will, and acrobatic and high-wire wonders, Circus 1903 transports you back to the brilliant and bonkers Golden Age of Circus, with a vintage flair. Revel in a moment of pure magic.

Book tickets for Circus 1903 today!

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (8 December)

Everyone knows the story of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, it’s a tale as old as time and packs a heartfelt punch that has endured for over 150 years. Who better to put their own spin on it than the Queen of storytelling herself, Dolly Parton? This Christmas, A Christmas Carol becomes Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. The Country Queen has taken Dickens’ tale of greed and has sprinkled it with some much-needed Tennessee love. It’s the 1930s in The Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, a storm awaits for Mr Ebenezer Scrooge, a mining-town connoisseur too obsessed with riches to enjoy the present moment of love and beauty.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge discovers an unlikely group of visitors on his doorstep. Cue one deceased business partner and three spirits, all with the same mission - to open his eyes to the wonderful gifts of life. They’re here to teach him the ultimate lesson of love, behind the soothing blue-grass soul of Dolly Parton’s musical wisdom.

Book tickets for Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol today!

The Snowman (1 December)

At the stroke of midnight, magic comes to life. For over 40 years, families have been enamoured by the beloved story of The Snowman. It has become a significant indicator of the holidays, with the beautiful ‘Walking in the Air’ soundtracking the approach to Christmas, year after year.

The Snowman is the enchanting narrative of a boy and his snowman travelling through a winter wonderland as an adventure to the North Pole. With vibrant sets, epic costumes, animated dancing and a heart-warming story to match, The Snowman centres itself blissfully around the magic of make-believe.

Book your tickets for The Snowman today!