10 minute read
It’s Christmas
Christmas! It’s
Noël, Nativity, Xmas, Yule or simply Christmas… whatever you call it, it’s coming down the line with the speed of a Santa Special steam railway. And we can’t wait, particularly as here in Norfolk there are so many fabulous events and activities to enjoy.
THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
8 Nov – 23 Dec
Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has attracted over 5.4 million visitors to date and is the largest Christmas show of its kind in Europe. It’s set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians – many of whom are West End performers. The three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast-moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and yearround favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols. There’s also the Enchanted Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey to look forward to.
HOLKHAM HALL BY CANDLELIGHT
4-29 Dec
Come December, Holkham will have decked the halls and lit the hundreds of candles in readiness for you to celebrate Christmas and tour the hall by candlelight. This is a truly magical opportunity to relish the magnificent state rooms adorned with opulent Christmas decorations and beautiful flickering candlelight.
NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EXPRESS
The Norfolk Lights Express is an immersive, wintertime experience that is fun for the whole family! Arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and you’ll be greeted by the magical site of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. The Old Luggage buffet will be open for you to purchase hot soup, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savoury refreshments. A licensed bar will also be on board each train and can be visited before departure and during the intermission. Since its debut in 2019, The Norfolk Lights Express has become firmly established as a favourite seasonal treat.
BEER OF NORFOLK
BREWED WITH PASSION AND PRIDE
AVAILABLE ONLINE, INSTORE AND IN BUSINESSES ACROSS THE COUNTY
Tickets £10
www.puppettheatre.co.uk
@NorwichPuppetTheatre|Tel:01603629921 NorwichPuppetTheatre,NR31TN | Reg.Charity271041
Norfolk Lights Express Nov 11 - Jan 2
See colourful dioramas along our lineside and discover the countryside in a whole new light.
Begin your journey with the magical sight of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights!
Refreshments avaliable from the onboard bar and Old Luggage Buffet.
Panto! As well as pantos, there are many other festive events and shows going on. Check out the What’s On page on visitnorfolk.co.uk for the latest details.
CINDERELLA
Hunstanton Princess Theatre
3 Dec – 1 Jan
Cinderella has always dreamed of leaving her dull life as a servant to meet a handsome Prince. After the announcement that Prince Charming is going to hold a royal ball, it seems she may get her wish after all, but with the Ugly Sisters around, who knows what will happen. Maybe with the help of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and a generous helping of fairy dust, and a glass slipper, perhaps Cinderella’s wish could come true and she will live happily ever after?
SNOW WHITE Sheringham Little Theatre
10-31 Dec
The Evil Queen thinks she is the most trending topic on Instagram, but Snow White’s beauty stands in her way. Snow White, along with her hilarious Nurse Jolly Jabs, must escape into Sheringham Woods to get away from the Queen and her bumbling henchman Igor. Snow White will be spectacularly brought to life with an apple full of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning effects. This year Sheringham returns to full scale family pantomime with a big ensemble of characters.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Norwich Theatre Royal
10 Dec – 7 Jan
Playing Jack is Joe Tracini, who won the hearts of the Norwich Theatre Royal audiences as Tommy the Cat in last year’s pantomime. Rufus Hound, best known for making people laugh as a stand-up comedian, his stretch on Celebrity Juice and the voice behind Waffle The Wonder Dog, will be taking on the role of King Nigel of Norwich. They will be joined by Casualty star Amanda Henderson who will be taking on the role of Pat the Cow, and comedian Sally Hodgkiss. Be prepared to boo and hiss Dayle Hudson from EastEnders in his role as Nightshade. Linda John-Pierre from Britain’s Got Talent will bring her amazing vocal talent to the part of Fairy Fullobeans. For the 22nd year at Norwich Theatre, panto favourite Richard Gauntlett will return as Dame Trott.
SNOW WHITE
King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
7–31 Dec
Here’s a truly WICKED panto! Journey to meet Dame Dotty, Herbie Vore the (vegetarian) Huntsman and the magnificent seven on a magical adventure for the whole family.
HANSEL & GRETEL
Wells Maltings
16–28 Dec
Join Hansel and Gretel as they journey through the forest on a daredevil adventure that’s a sweet treat for families. Featuring fun songs and puppetry with a distinctive Norfolk twist on the classic tale, Wells Maltings and fEAST Theatre are proud to present Nick Lane’s funny, festive show for families. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll never look at Gummy Bears the same way again.
GOLDILOCKS
Norwich Maddermarket
16–30 Dec
Roll up, roll up, as Norwich’s mustsee festive extravaganza returns to the Maddermarket Theatre! Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from the Evil Ringmaster. They’re busy battling to rescue their big top from ruin with the help of their madcap circus friends. Will they succeed? All seems lost until three brilliant bears join the gang…
ADULT PANTO
BIG DICK AND HIS PUSSY Norwich Maddermarket
8 Dec – 7 Jan
Guided by the magical Fairy Blue Balls on an adventure that sends him through the streets of Soho and out across the sea surrounded by sea-men, you won’t want to miss this filthy festive treat that’s just for the adults!
ARTS, HERITAGE & COMMUNITY WHAT’S ON THIS WINTER...
WED 2 NOV TALK - ANNIE TEMPEST – LIFE, ART AND APPS FRI 4 NOV LIVE MUSIC - SOUL ALLIANCE SAT 5 NOV THEATRE - I, AMDRAM TUE 8 NOV QUIZ - THE SQUARE EYES FILM AND TV QUIZ WED 9 NOV COMEDY - WITCH HUNT FRI 11 NOV LIVE MUSIC - CLAYSON SINGS CHANSON WED 16 NOV WORKSHOP - LINOCUT CHRISTMAS CARDS FRI 18 NOV FILM & PARTY - NORTHERN SOUL NIGHT SAT 19 NOV CLASSICAL - GEORGE HARLIONO (PIANO) SAT 26 NOV KIDS WORKSHOP - CHRISTMAS CRAFTING SAT 3 DEC LIVE JAZZ - A SWINGING CHRISTMAS SUN 4 DEC WORKSHOP - JEWELLERY DESIGN AND MAKING THU 8 DEC ROYAL BALLET - THE NUTCRACKER TUE 13 DEC QUIZ - DING DONG! FESTIVE TRIVIA QUIZ WED 14 DEC BIODIVERSITY TALK - WILD KEN HILL THU 15 DEC SOCIAL CHANGE TALK - HOMES FOR WHOM FRI 15 - WED 28 DEC FAMILY THEATRE - HANSEL AND GRETEL CLASSIC FAIRYTALE WITH A HILARIOUS TWIST SUN 18 DEC CLASSICAL - ELIZABETH WATTS WED 21 DEC FREE BINGO - FESTIVE BINGO Full programme including film listings available online
wellsmaltings.org.uk 01328 710885 Staithe Street Wells-Next-The-Sea
This year experience winter at
Reserve•Gardens•Café•Play
Santa Specials Nov 26 - Dec 23
Experience an extra special journey this Christmas!
Relax and enjoy complimentary festive refreshments on board a traditional steam-hauled train.
Travel the whole length of our line before stopping off at Santa's Grotto and receiving a special gift.
Get into the festive spirit with special activity packs for each child and elves onboard to help keep you entertained!
BEN LANGLEY
JACK JAY
10 Hippodrome
CROMER PIER CHRISTMAS SHOW
26 Nov – 30 Dec
The Christmas variety show will warm your hearts and get you in the mood for the Christmas season with a whole heap of festive fun. It’s fast becoming one of the ‘must see’ family Christmas shows in Norfolk, not only in production values, laughout-loud comedy, amazing dance routines and glitzy costumes but also as an exceedingly good value for money experience, strengthening the county’s excellent festive entertainment offering.
Cromer New Year Fireworks
©Gary Pearson
GREAT YARMOUTH HIPPODROME CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR CIRCUS AND WATER SHOW
10 Dec – 8 Jan
The Christmas Spectacular, with Jack Jay and Ben Langley plus an incredible international circus cast, combines the festive spirit with the breath-taking magic of the circus. There’s no Christmas show quite like this one and a completely new alternative to the traditional pantomime.
