My pick of the Christmas shows around the UK

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It's panto time. Traditional family Christmas entertainment and, a great way of introducing young children to theatre you can't really go too wrong. As you know we took Matilda on Sunday to the Greenwich Theatre's Robin Hood and, at just three years old she sat through the whole two hours plus and loved every minute of it. Nothing beats seeing a live show, I get a thrill every time I enter a theatre and the house lights are dimmed.

Having spent many Festive seasons dashing around the country seeing clients in shows, I have drawn up my own favourite theatres. I'm more a fan of the traditional rather than the celebrity driven Panto so my selection is a reflection of that. Do seek out your own local theatre too, you'll be surprised at what you might discover for yourself:
  • Aladdin at the Winchester Theatre Royal. I went to see a show here years ago and loved it, a beautiful theatre with a traditional panto. Find out more here
  • Cinderella at The Theatre, Chipping Norton. Once again a beautiful little theatre that always has an excellent, traditional show. Find out more here
  • Dick Whittington at the Hackney Empire. Year in year out the Hackney Empire always provides the best Christmas show in London. Find out more here.
  • Slava's Snowshow at the Royal Festival Hall has been around at various venues for years. It is the most enchanting and memorable show I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot). Equally magical for adults and children, I saw it years ago by myself and fell in love. Find out more here.
  • Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith. Well, I have to promote my local theatre! Find our more here.
  • Midnight Pumpkin from the brilliant Kneehigh Theatre Company will undoubtedly be a unique experience  at the BAC. Find out more here.
  • The King's Theatre, Edinburgh is always a sure bet and this year they have Mother Goose. Find out more here.
  • If you're in Cornwall head for the Hall for Truro where they have Aladdin this year. Find out more here.
  • A particular favourite theatre of mine, the Library Theatre Manchester presents Arabian Nights this year at the Lowry in Manchester. Find out more here.
  • At the West Yorkshire Playhouse Sleeping Beauty looks fantastic. Find out more here.
So treat yourself to some theatre this Christmas, so much more rewarding to see live action rather than just simply slumping in front of the box. Most theatres are open Christmas Eve then again on Boxing Day so there's no excuse! Get booking and support your local theatre.


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