by Brooke Varney
As Christmas is fast approaching, festive decorations and yummy treats seem to be popping up left and right. However, one of our favorite things about the holiday season is being able to escape the cold and holiday shopping crowds to catch a good show. We’ve made a list of a few we think look pretty spectacular, and that everyone should catch before their short runs are over. Whether you prefer a classic Christmas tale or something a little more off the beaten path, there are plenty of options that are bound to appeal to anyone.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House
From December 6 to January 16, the Royal Ballet will be putting on a stunning adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story. It begins at a garden party on a sunny afternoon, where Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend turned into a white rabbit. She follows him down a rabbit hole to a world which includes a highly-strung Queen of Hearts and a tap-dancing Mad Hatter, among other strange creatures. Expect elaborate costumes, imaginative sets, and for the show to showcase some of the darker undercurrents of the story.
One of the most successful musicals of all time, Cats is truly a phenomenon. After a 21-year run on the West End that ended in 2002, a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical featuring the poetry of T.S. Eliot is coming to London for a short run. From December 6 to February 28, the musical will feature beloved songs like “Memory,” as well as the exciting cast addition of Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella.
A Christmas Carol at Middle Temple Hall
From December 20-30, see Charles Dickens’ essential holiday classic A Christmas Carol in the beautiful, historic, Elizabethan setting of Middle Temple Hall. The wildly popular production combines Dickens’ original tale with a score of original songs inspired by the carols of a traditional Victorian Christmas, while Middle Temple Hall will be absolutely decked out with boughs of holly, and mulled wine, mince pies and more to help even the most stubborn of Scrooges get into the holiday spirit.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Richmond Theatre
Veteran model and Strictly Come Dancing star Jerry Hall takes on the role of the Wicked Queen in the pantomime of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, running from December 5 to January 11. This festive adventure into an enchanted fairytale forest follows last year’s record-breaking production of Peter Pan, and features stunning sets, glittering costumes and hilarious comedy.
White Christmas at Dominion Theatre
We don’t know what kind of holiday season it would be without watching White Christmas at least once, which is why the stage production is an absolute must. From now until January 3, the musical will take the stage to tell the tale of a pair of ex-army pals as they team up with two sisters to put on a show and save a remote Vermont ski lodge that’s fallen on hard times. Note: It may be hard to resist singing along.