Christmas theatre shows for all the family

Jack and the Beanstalk, Hackney Empire

Hackney Empire has long been heralded for staging one of the best pantomimes in town. Bursting onto the stage for the 2021 season is a new production of the panto classic Jack and the Beanstalk, with Olivier-winning Clive Rowe reprising his role as the Dame. Joining him in the cast is fellow Hackney Empire veteran Tony Whittle as Councillor Higginbottom, Kat B as Simple Simon and Zoë Curlett as Fenella Fleshcreep. As for the story, you know how it goes: when young Jack sells his family’s cow for magic beans, a sky-high beanstalk leads him into face-to-face combat with a 'fee-fi-fo-fum!' shouting giant. Will Jack manage to sort out this mess and make it back alive?

Hex, National Theatre

What if a curse is just a blessing gone wrong? This glossy new musical casts the Sleeping Beauty myth in a new light, with the multi-talented Rosalie Craig (Company) starring as Fairy who inadvertently hexes the princess. Expect wondrous sets and costumes in this deliciously dark festive production from head of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris.

Suitable for children age 8+

Cinderella, Gillian Lynne Theatre

This fresh, feisty 'bad' Cinderella is the idea show for all the family this winter. Writer Emerald Fennel (Promising Young Woman, Killing Eve) remoulds the rags to riches fairytale into a truly timely comedy. Carrie Hope Fletcher sparks as a sarky rebel in a town obsessed with surface beauty. Cheeky jokes for the adults are balanced with awe-inspiring dance numbers and anthemic songs such as 'Bad Cinderella'. We took four children from preschool to teen and they enjoyed it equally.

Suitable for children age 4+

Circus 1903, Southbank Centre

Puppetry and cutting-edge technology combine to conjure to traditional magic of the circus. Along with jaw-dropping feats of acrobatics, Circus 1903 features life-size elephants from the Puppeteers behind War Horse. The 2021 production features fresh acts to thrill new and returning audiences. And with some shows starting at 11am, it's ideal for smaller children too.

Suitable for children age 3+

Aladdin, Lyric Hammersmith

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a panto. And this version of Aladdin, which dazzled in 2016 and returns for 2021, brings the right combination of tradition and silliness. Comedian, actor and composer Vikki Stone pulls Aladdin to the 21st century, with a tale of fortune, magic, music and lots of laughs.

Suitable for children age 6+

Scrunch, Unicorn Theatre

Introduce babies to the magic of theatre with this multi-sensory interactive show all about the sounds, sights and excitement of unwrapping presents. The flexible performance space is designed for little ones to safely explore, with a play and dance session following each performance.

Suitable for babies age 6 - 18 months

The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage, Bridge Theatre

A fantasy Oxford, catastrophic floods and a menagerie of daemons come to the Bridge Theatre as Nicholas Hytner brings Philip Pullman's magic to the stage. Hytner's 2003 two-part stage version of Pullman's His Dark Materials was a triumph, so we can't wait to see what he does with this prequel story. Get ready for masterful staging and and immersive story.

Suitable for children age 8+

Frozen the Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

An icy palace, a free-walking reindeer and bursts of frosty magic: Frozen the Musical glitters at the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with a cast led by Samantha Barks as the brooding Elsa, and Stephanie McKeon as spirited sister, Ana. The Broadway transfer ups the ante on the film's feminist themes and laces the action with mildly saucy humour, creating a production with potential to enthral audiences of all ages.

Suitable for children age 4+

The Night Before Christmas, Polka Theatre

Beloved poem T'was the Night Before Christmas is brought to life in this imaginative new production at Wimbledon's Polka Theatre. Follow a little girl on a festive adventure featuring music, puppets and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. We recommend planning your visit to include time to explore the super new play areas and cafe at the freshly-renovated Polka.

Suitable for children age 3 - 7

The Storm Whale, Little Angel Theatre

The bond between a little boy and a rescued whale inspires a sweet new show at Little Angel Theatre. Based on Benji Davies' books, The Storm Whale is an evocative and exciting exploration of friendship and courage brought to life with the remarkable puppetry for which Little Angel is known and loved.

Suitable for children age 4 - 8

Life of Pi, Wyndham's Theatre

Life of Pi has enchanted millions across the globe over nearly 20 years. Yann Martel's 2001 novel won the Man Booker Prize, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. It has since enjoyed success on screen and on stage. After a sell-out, critically-acclaimed run at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, Lolita Chakrabarti's dazzling theatre adaptation graces the West End stage in time for Christmas.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Duke of York's Theatre

Voted the 2013 Book of the Year in the National Book Awards, Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane tells the tale of a boy whose ordinary life encounters the extraordinary. Adapted for the stage by Joel Horwood, this dark fantasy plunges deep into a story about memory, imagination, and growing up. Katy Rudd’s direction exemplifies the themes found in Gaiman’s novel, creating a stunning, high-octane display of riveting puppetry, powerful performances, and real magic.

Pantoland at The Palladium

It’s bold, it’s brassy and it’s back for 2021: Pantoland at the Palladium refuses to pick between the traditional panto storylines and instead creates its own out of a smörgåsbord of familiar tropes. Returning with it are a cast of reliable favourites including resident dame Gary Wilmot, seasoned magic-maker Julian Clary and loveable favourite Jac Yarrow. Perhaps most excitingly of all, making a guest appearance this year is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat star Donny Osmond.

Suitable for ages 4+