Turning tips into memories

The six kids shows to see this December

By Jen Barton Packer on 20/12/2018

These are the family shows to book into this December that we've seen and loved. Oh - in case you were wondering - the kids have, too.

In the Winter Wood at Polka Theatre, photo by The Other Richard

In The Winter Wood, Polka Theatre

Jan Blake's In the Winter Wood invites kids to snuggle up under blankets and listen to stories about animals in lands near and far. An immersive, interactive experience where you chant, field questions, roar and stamp your feet along to the animal adventure stories happening in the wood, our kids are still reciting the stories and lyrics weeks after watching the performance.

WHEN

29 Nov 2018 – 17 Feb 2019, Performance times vary

WHERE

Polka Theatre
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB

Magic on stage at the Hackney Empire's Aladdin. Photo: Robert Workman

Aladdin, Hackney Empire

Clive Rowe stars as the Widow Twankey and Tameka Empson is the Empress of Ha-Ka-Ney in this all-singing, all-dancing, all-flying rendition of Aladdin which is panto silliness and magic at its best. Look out for tapping pandas and a girl Aladdin (Gemma Sutton, whose voice is stunning) as you celebrate Hackney Empire's 20th year of pantos. Bonus points if you know all the words to The Greatest Showman songs.

WHERE

Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ

Cinderella and the Beanstalk, Theatre 503

Comedy troupe Sleeping Trees' twist on the traditional pantomime has become a Culture Whisper favourite, and this year the usual hi-jinks are handled by an all-female cast and crew, who only have 40 different parts to play between them. Cue hilarity.

WHEN

05 Dec 2018 – 05 Jan 2019, See theatre website for matinees

WHERE

Theatre 503
The Latchmere, 503 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 3BW

The Gingerbread Man at Jacksons Lane (photo: Pamela Raith)

The Gingerbread Man, Jacksons Lane

Jacksons Lane in Highgate's production of The Gingerbread Man, from Hiccup Theatre and Derby Theatre, whips up catchy songs and dances in a compelling bakery world that brings this beloved – and cheeky – character to life. Fun twist? The gingerbread man actually wants to be eaten - so your two-year-old will laugh heartily as the biccie runs towards the fox.

WHEN

01 Dec 2018 – 24 Dec 2018, performance times vary

WHERE

Jackson's Lane Theatre
269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA

Rumpelstiltskin wows at the Southbank Centre. Credit: The Other Richard

Rumpelstiltskin, Queen Elizabeth Hall

Something unexpected this festive season comes. Rumpelstiltskin, by Windmill Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia at the South Bank until 6 January, is the most gorgeous visual feast you'll see this season. Twists aplenty: Rumpelstiltskin is a fashion designer - and kind of nice! - while the girl, known as Harriet, is kind of a greedy disaster. Look out for the incredible animations and glam rock tunes. Recommended for 8+.

WHERE

Queen Elizabeth Hall
South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX