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Pick of the Christmas shows
By Fiona Mountford, Evening Standard 29.12.06
Dick Whittington and his Cat make a purr-fect night out at the Barbican
The ugly sisters will be bullying Cinderella at the Hackney Empire
Henry Winkler is appearing in Peter Peter Pan at Wimbledon
Rabbits are in peril in Watership Down at the Lyric Hammersmith
The Snowman will be melting hearts at the Peacock
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From posh pantos to old favourites, London's theatres are gearing up for Christmas. Fiona Mountford reveals the best of the festive shows.
IT'S BEHIND YOU
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
Barbican
As posh as panto is going to get this year. Controversial playwright Mark Ravenhill - a selfproclaimed fan of the "It's behind yous" - gives us his for-allthefamily take on those streets paved with gold.
Until 20 January (0845 120 7511).
CINDERELLA
Hackney Empire
Boisterous fun - not to mention fabulous costumes - is always guaranteed at the Empire, by writer/director Susie McKenna, with Bethnal on the Green as the latest setting for Cinders' travails.
Until 13 January (020 8985 2424).
PETER PAN
Wimbledon
Henry Winkler, known to millions as The Fonz in Happy Days, makes his UK stage debut as Captain Hook, alongside Bobby Davro as Smee. A glorious combination that only panto could throw up.
Book now: Peter Pan - from £23
8 December to 14 January (0870 060 6646).
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Richmond
Boycie and Marlene (John Challis and Sue Holderness) from Only Fools and Horses join forces with Aled "Walking in the Air" Jones for vegetable-related shenanigans. Expect Richmond to dish up lavish sets.
8 December to 21 January (0870 060 6651).
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Queen's, Hornchurch
The most reliable festive family fare is often to be found at the eastern end of the District line, as the Queen's resident company of actor-musicians teams up with a group of (not too) cute local kids.
Until 13 January (01708 443333).
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Greenwich
Innovative director Phil Willmott, past master of Battersea Arts Centre's legendary Christmas shows, oversees "one hundred years of magic". Andrew Pollard writes the script and also gamely gets dollied up to play the Dame.
Until 6 January (020 8858 7755).
FROM PAGE TO STAGE
MERRY WIVES - THE MUSICAL
RST, Stratford
Dame Judi Dench is joined by Simon Callow and Alistair McGowan, as well as a number of big musical theatre names, for this jolly-sounding confection from the RSC's chief associate director, Gregory Doran.
Until 10 February (0870 609 1110).
CORAM BOY
National, Olivier
Melly Still's beautiful staging of Jamila Gavin's Whitbread Awardwinning children's book about the Coram Hospital for Deserted Children returns. An onstage choir sings Handel's Messiah.
Book now: Coram Boy tickets - up to £17.50 off
In rep until 22 February (020 7452 3000).
WATERSHIP DOWN
Lyric Hammersmith
Melly Still again, with her treatment of Richard Adams's much-loved bunnies. There's plenty of kung-fu kicking to admire, but a distinct dearth of actual fur and whiskers.
Until 23 January (08700 500 511).
CARRIE'S WAR
Lilian Baylis, Sadler's Wells
Charming, traditional adaptation of Nina Bawden's tale of children being evacuated to the Welsh valleys during the Second World War.
Book now: Carrie's War - only £10
Until 6 January (0870 737 7737).
THE TWITS
Arts Depot
Surprisingly, the only dollop of Roald Dahl on offer in London this Christmas. Get ready for the smelly Twits, the Mugglewumps and the Roly-Poly Bird.
Until 7 January (020 8369 5454).
JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA
Unicorn
Carl Miller's acclaimed adaptation of Eva Ibbotson's novel about orphan Maia's adventures in the Brazilian rainforest.
8 December to 28 January (020 7645 0560).
PETER PAN
King's Head
Oh no, it isn't the panto version, but Stephanie Sinclaire's new take on Barrie's book, complete with a score - including eight songs - from Leonard Bernstein.
11 December to 14 January (020 7226 1916).
ONCE UPON A TIME
THE SNOW QUEEN
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Writer Hope Massiah promises a modern spin on Hans Christian Andersen's frozen North, with original songs.
Book now: The Snow Queen - from £19.00
Until 13 January (0800 183 1188).
THE ENCHANTED PIG
Young Vic
Justly renowned for its quality seasonal offerings, the Young Vic presents a musical take on a Romanian folktale, about Princess Flora and a deceptive swine.
Book now: The Enchanted Pig - from only £10
Until 27 January (020 7922 2922).
GRIMMS - THE FINAL CHAPTER
Trafalgar Studios 2
Mime, dance and live music accompany this selection of magical tales from around the world, including Snow White and the Seven Puppets (the dwarves died in Germany).
Book now: Grimms - The Final Chapter - tickets & dinner only £18.95
20 December to 6 January (0870 060 6632).
RAPUNZEL
BAC
Kneehigh, the constantly innovative and increasingly high-profile Cornish company, returns to the spiritual home of the alternative Christmas show. Expect to be surprised.
9 December to 14 January (020 7223 2223).
OLD FAVOURITES
MATTHEW BOURNE'S SWAN LAKE
Sadler's Wells
After Edward Scissorhands last year, Matthew Bourne goes back to basics with his all-male corps de ballet, first seen in 1995.
Book now: Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake - £48.00
13 December to 21 January (0870 737 7737).
THE SNOWMAN
Peacock
Now in its ninth year at the Peacock, there's little left unsaid about this charming dance telling of a young boy's adventures on Christmas Eve.
Book now: The Snowman - up to £20 off
6 December to 7 January (0870 737 0337).
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
THE CLASS CLUB
Barbican Pit
Award-winning entertainment anarchists Duckie invite you to choose your class - lower, middle or upper - then tuck into the Christmas meal deemed suitable for your status. Expect a risqué feast.
16 December to 7 January (0845 120 7511).
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Don't forget the absolutely fantastic 'LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS', at The Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre, in Southwark! (nearest tube London Bridge). Amazing performances from the talented cast, especially the incredibly versatile, leading lady SHERIDAN SMITH. (Two Pints of Lager..., Grown-ups, Eyes Down, Love Soup..etc). She has a great singing voice, and can make you laugh and make you cry, as she moves effortlessly from comedy to pathos. The production has had glowing reviews, and received standing ovations from the full-houses on the two occasions that I saw it. Great family show, as it appeals to adults and children alike. I thoroughly recommend it... don't miss seeing it, but make sure you book before you go!
- Mrs M.Richardson, York, England
