CHRISTMAS
CHILDREN’S What’s On THEATRE
What's On Sat 11 & Sun 12 Nov Tales from Acron Wood The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Sat 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Sun 11am. Ages 1+. Sun 12 Nov The Sooty Show: 75th Birthday Spectacular! Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show is a must-see treat for the whole family. 2.30pm. £18. Ages 2+.
Father Christmas at The Berry Theatre
and colourful characters from around the world. The beloved festive ballet is brought to life by more than 100 dancers and musicians, with beautiful dancing, gorgeous sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s lush score played live. From £12. Book online.
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Nov Christmas Grotto The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Get your Christmas lists at the ready. The festive season is fast upon us and Father Christmas is making a special trip to The Point. Santa welcomes you with a song and a story, then collect your gift and take your photo. 30 mins duration. All ages. £5.50 per child (includes gift), £2.50 per adult.
Thu 30 Nov to Mon 1 Dec Cinderella Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB www.theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk A traditional family pantomime with original songs, loads of corny gags, audience participation and some surprising twists to the tale, the whole family is bound to have a ball! All ages. Book online.
Sat 25 Nov The Crockodogpig MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton SO14 7DU www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk The Crockodogopig is a fresh, funfilled family show that combines live music, puppetry, comedy, and beatboxing to tell the story of a mixed-up creature who has lost his Happy. 11am & 2pm. Ages 4+.
Wed 6 to Sat 9 Dec Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton SO14 7DU www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. It’s history with the nasty bits left in. Ages 5+.
Tue 28 Nov to Sat 2 Dec Stick Man MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton SO14 7DU www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. All ages. Wed 29 Nov to Sat 2 Dec English National Ballet’s Nutcracker Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE www.ballet.org.uk/production/ nutcracker Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas adventure, filled with pompous party guests, sparkling snowflakes, mischievous mice,
Fri 8 to Sun 24 Dec Counting Down to Christmas MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton SO14 7DU www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk Counting Down to Christmas is a brand new show made especially for very young audiences. With original music, colourful design and sensory elements, Counting Down to Christmas is full of surprises and festive magic. Sat 9 to Sun 31 Dec Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mayflower Theatre Southampton, SO15 1GE www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is spectacularly
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10 Families Hampshire West
Pantos & Family Shows
brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. See online for times and prices. Sat 9 to Sun 31 Dec Father Christmas The Berry Theatre, Southampton, SO30 4EJ www.theberrytheatre.co.uk Bloomin’ snow! Bloomin’ reindeer! Bloomin’ Christmas! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ joyful (and at times a bit grumpy). From the writer of The Snowman™ this much-loved family story of Father Christmas getting ready for a night’s hard work on bloomin’ Christmas Eve will bring festive cheer to all. Ages 0-6. Sat 16 Dec Nick Cope’s Family Christmas Show The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and animations to sell-out crowds all over the country. As part of this festive show, Nick will perform all of his seasonal songs including songs about snowmen, elves and Santa Claus and, of course, there will be plenty of festive fun for all. £14. Ages 3+. Mon 18 Dec Santa’s Christmas Wish Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB www.theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole. There every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in the popular meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever! Ages 2-8.
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY Fri 1 to Sun 31 Dec The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The return of Captain Hook The Anvil, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/ the-further-adventures-of-peterpan-the-return-of-captain-hook Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling adventure full of fun, laughter… and crocodiles! After defeating the evil Captain Hook and his crew of prancing pirates, life has been pretty perfect for Peter Pan. But when a stranger arrives in Neverland, he is forced to question his past and face his future. Will Peter ever grow up? Sat 2 to Sun 31 Dec Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Bournemouth Pavilion, BH1 2BU www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk The legendary Su Pollard will be playing the role of Wicked Queen. Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, a truly magical treat. Relaxed Performance on Tue 12 Dec at 10.30am. Various times and prices, see online for details and booking. Fri 1 to Sun 31 Dec Hook: The Further Adventures of Peter Pan! Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk Ahoy! Join The Kings Theatre for the Pompey Panto… Hook: The Further Adventures of Peter Pan! Starring as the infamous Captain Hook is Shaun Williamson, best known for his stint as the loveable ‘Barry’ from BBC’s Eastenders and Extras alongside James ‘Arg’ Argent as Peter Pan. With tickets from just £10, this is one voyage not to be missed! Sat 9 Dec, 10.30am BSL Signed Performance and Tue 12 Dec, 10.30am Relaxed Performance. All ages. Fri 8 to Sun 31 Dec Aladdin New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, PO1 2DD www.newtheatreroyal.com Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman pants! – can the Genie grant their wishes? Don’t miss this fabulous festive family treat that promises to be a stunning pantomime guaranteed to make all your wishes come true. Sun 17 Dec at 3pm is a BSL signed performance. Sun 31 Dec at 11am is a relaxed performance.
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