Getting out to the theatre is a brilliant way to break up the TV, boozing and gluttony of Christmas. Stimulate the mind with some beautiful balletic action, or wrap your vocal chords round a chorus of boos at a traditional panto: Londoners are spoilt for choice.
Pantomime is an ancient and peculiarly British form of interactive theatre with simple ingredients: folk tale story lines, faded stars from TV, 'he's behind you', sex jokes and song. This year’s bumper crop includes wife-beaten Eastenders hardman Ross Kemp donning the tights in Snow White, and housewives choice Nigel Havers as Prince Charming in one of eight Cinderellas in town this year.
Ballet is an acquired taste but Christmas always offers up a couple of magic shows and over the past few years The Snowman (this year at The Peacock Theatre), based on the Raymond Briggs novel, has delighted audiences of all ages. This year the English National Ballet's classic Swanlake goes head to head with the camped-up pop culture version by Matthew Bourne at Sadler's Wells and what many consider the definitive traditional Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House.
For kids, the pick of the Christmas shows includes the Polka Theatre's take on Roald Dahl's classic James and the Giant Peach, as well as a magical show of the classic Goldilocks. Jaded adults can take solace in Avenue Q, an insight into the world of slightly subversive comedy theatre.
Get into the Christmas spirit this season and treat your loved ones to a slice of theatrical magic. The telly will still be there when you get back.
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