It’s getting to that time when everyone’s asking, “What are you doing for Christmas this year?”
So, what are you doing for Christmas this year? Coming to the theatre? Yes, correct answer!
Whether Christmas is a time to deck your halls and get merry, sit back and enjoy the magic, or laugh until your baubles hurt, our Tis the Season lineup has something for everyone.
We’ve even helped you out by scoring each show on our very technical Christmas-o-meter! From feeling frosty to wishing it could be Christmas every day, find out the show will have you rocking around the Christmas tree.
A Winter’s Union | 5 Dec | Playhouse
Is your Christmas a big party? I’m talking too many people to fit around the table, shouting, lots of laughter, a cheeky drink and a big old sing-song. If so, you’ll fit right in.
A Winter’s Union has been described as “a pre-Christmas knees up for folk and roots lovers.” Expect soaring harmonies and exquisite musicianship as the group of 5 blast through their repertoire, ranging from brand new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols. Both well-loved and little-known, and seasonal classics from both sides of the Atlantic.
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a song and a dance?
Christmas-o-meter rating: Everyone loves a Christmas sing-song. A perfect way to step into the festive season.
Two Turtle doves | 6 Dec | Playhouse
If, for you, Christmas is a time of laughter, whether that be a silly cracker joke or your favourite Christmas comedy film, carry on reading!
What do you get if you combine two of international cabaret’s grandest dames at Christmas time? An evening full of glorious harmonies, musicality, emotion, and fun, that’s what!
The stars Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr performed side by side for the first time in 2021. And by popular demand, they’re bringing festive cheer for the third year in a row.
Be prepared to laugh yourself silly with these songbirds in Two Turtle Doves.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Absolutely a Christmas cracker to push you further into festivity.
The Snowsmith | 6 -17 Dec | Stage Two
Does Christmas remind you of magic and childlike wonder? This very special show is aimed at younger theatregoers, but that doesn’t mean the whole family can’t come.
This Christmas at Stage Two, we meet inventor Eira, who’s determined to bring back the magic to the grumpy town of Thawmor. And Eira needs your help! It’s time to grab your goggles and join her madcap adventure as she battles a fearsome whale, explores an abandoned mine, and meets herds of goats! While finding unlikely friends in the strangest of places.
Get lost in a world of breath-taking puppetry, live songs and folk music, all led by captivating storytellers. Discover this original winter tale that will enthral the whole family.
Christmas-o-meter rating: It’s not Christmas if there are no heartwarming stories with a loveable hero! Bonus points, as there’s magic involved.
Supergirly- Sleigh Queen | 8 Dec | Playhouse
This isn’t for those that wear their Pyjamas on Christmas day. You better have your lashes on, hair done and be ready to party!
Supergirly is here to give you Christmas as you’ve never had before, so maybe don’t bring your mum to this one! It will have you laughing, wincing, and never being able to sing your favourite pop tunes without getting yourself on Santa’s naughty list again.
So if you’re ready for a Christmas, you won’t forget, come to The Playhouse on 8 Dec.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Definitely a show for those who don’t mind being on the naughty list. It’s more exciting anyway.
Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale | 9 Dec – 7 Jan | Royal
The ultimate festive treat for the whole family! Perfect for those wanting the wholesome Christmas experience.
This pantomime get ready to see the other side of Sleeping Beauty, the Fairy’s tale. Join us as we learn how the Queen and Fairy embark on a journey to save our Sleeping Beauty, with a prince in tow and despite the efforts of the Evil Fairy. Can dreams come true? Well, you will have to come along to find out.
Great for the little ones, but with jokes to tickle the grumpiest in your family, you won’t want to miss this.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Can it get any more Christmassy than a trip to a panto … Oh, no, it can’t!
Tim FitzHigham’s Comedy Christmas Cracker | 9 Dec | Playhouse
For those looking for belly laughs this Christmas, why not an evening of festive comedy?
Tim FitzHigham is an English comedian, author, artist and world record holder and is hosting the special Christmas event of laughter.
He’s joined by Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Andrew Maxwell, known for I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, BBC Radio 4, Nevermind the Buzzcocks, Mock the Week, and Live at the Apollo.
An East Anglian favourite, Martin Westgate, will also be in the Line-up. Also sharing the stage is Ciara Jack. To add an extra sparkle, there will be live music from the band Loose Change.
So get on your Christmas jumper and be prepared to laugh the night away!
Christmas-o-meter rating: Everyone needs a laugh at the end of the year!
The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’ 2023 | 11 Dec | Playhouse
Forget New Year’s Eve. This is set to be the best party of the year!
Half gig, half dance show and half panto! Join the BBC Award Winning team of musicians & dancers for 150% of the very best festive live music, song and dance.
So if your Christmas is a night down the pub laughing with friends, why not take a trip to ‘The Olde Fighting Cocks’ for the Folk and Hip-Hop dance party of the year.
You’ll meet Landlady Jasmineezer Scrooge as she is preparing to launch her new business… the ‘Oompah Techno Bar’! Cheap alco-pops, luminous lighting and mind-numbing bass beats are all in danger of alienating the local community and ruining Christmas.
In this spin of the Christmas classic, you’ll have to get your tickets to find out if someone can teach her about what’s really important at Christmastime.
Christmas-o-meter rating: A Victorian Christmas classic retold in a pub. Festive perfection.
Viggo Venn: British Comedian | 19 – 20 Dec | Playhouse
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas and spending the holiday in Lapland?
I can’t make it snow or book you a Christmas holiday, but I can bring Norway to you this Christmas.
Norwegian clown Viggo Venn moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian. And this year, his Christmas wish came true, as he’s now embarking on his first national tour.
He became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country after winning Britain’s Got Talent in June 2023.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Santa in high-vis! This will definitely be an evening of belly laughs and bright jackets.
The Easy Rollers: Drop Me Off In Harlem | 14 Dec | Playhouse
If you’d rather go back in time this Christmas to the age of jazz and the era of swing music, then you’re going to want to lindy hop, skip and jump your way over to the Playhouse this December.
The Easy Rollers are a roaring seven-piece jazz outfit. They started out in Manchester in 2016 and have been performing up and down the country since.
Are you ready to put on your glad rags and jive to Christmas morning? If so, tickets are still available for this Jazzy Christmas night.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Forget stepping into Christmas. It’s time to dance.
Mat Ricardo’s Christmas Cabaret | 15 – 16 Dec | Playhouse
Are you hoping for a surprise this Christmas? An unexpected present that leaves you on the edge of your seat? Why wait for Christmas day? Mat Ricardo’s Christmas Cabaret is a night of thrills, skills, spectacle, glamour and silliness that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Expect Burlesque, magic, and cabaret queens as Billy Kidd, Anna Fur Laxis and Lili La Scala star in this very special one-off show.
Don’t wait by the Christmas tree for some surprises. Come to the Playhouse instead.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Christmas is the most wonderful and extravagant time of year. And This Christmas Cabaret is bound to more than just your Christmas list.
Step Into Christmas with the Joe Ringer Band | 17 Dec | Playhouse
Is walking in a winter wonderland or rocking around the Christmas tree your type of Christmas cheer? Then grab a mug of hot chocolate and gather around your loved ones, as this is one Christmas Special you can’t watch on catch-up TV.
The Joe Ringer band are coming to town to bring glad tidings of great joy! Find yourself transported to a magical winter wonderland as Joe, his incredible musicians, and his amazing team of vocalists take you on a journey through all your festive favourites.
Last Christmas may not have been white, but at the Playhouse, it will be snowing and merry and bright.
Christmas-o-meter rating: Everyone dreams of a white Christmas. What better way to celebrate than in the snow singing Christmas songs!
