The arts have taken a battering during covid, with many venues on the brink of collapse. Thousands who worked within the industry are facing redundancy and financial hardship. However, those theatres in tier two and one, can now reopen, and following guidelines, are covid-safe, and the show must go on! I’ve listed a few Christmas shows in London that are on – please check each theatre for their covid policies.
We are booked to see Six at Lyric. Six is described by the Evening Standard as ‘the most uplifting piece of new British musical theatre’ as Henry VIII wives empower themselves as a pop band and tell their tales. There is limited availability over the festive season, but there are still tickets up for grabs, plus it is on until April 2021, so plenty of time after Christmas to get there. Here’s a little taster:
Over at The Bridge, three actors are taking on the yuletide classic, A Christmas Carol. The three actors will take on all the roles in a 90 minute version. Availability is low on the run up to Christmas, but gets better after Christmas. This is yet to be reviewed, but all points to a fantastic show.
It’s pantomime season! Oh no it’s not! And it really isn’t in many theatres, with so many of the iconic shows falling to covid. However, The Garrick is staging The Potted Panto which zips through seven pantos in an exhilarating 70 minutes! There is limited availability so get booking!
With good availability, Adam Kaye is bringing his book Twas the Night before the Christmas Shift to The Palace. Having read his first book recently, Adam Kaye pays enormous homage to his former colleagues in the NHS who’ve served us relentlessly during the pandemic. He is also guaranteed to make you cry with laughter and possibly with sadness at the conditions so many NHS workers are subjected to.
The Nutcracker is another perennial festive stalwart, and you can see a ‘whirlwind tour’ at The Coliseum with The Nutcracker Delights.
Of course, you may not be able to get to theatre at all this year if you have to isolate or shield. But worry not, you can stream performances. The Globe is streaming their Snow Globe with Sandi Toksvig. They recommend pulling on your festive jumper and singing along with their show to turn your home into a winter wonderland! Similarly, The Old Vic are streaming A Christmas Carol to homes all over the world – with a stellar cast, this looks amazing.
I hope that’s given you a few festive theatre ideas, and do let me know what you are booked to see!
Also see my Christmas Light walking route in London!
