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Christmas shows for kids in London

By CW Contributor on 18/11/2019

Here are the best shows to book now for autumn and winter's Christmas season for your 5+ child, from an eco-warrior Hansel and Gretel to Black Beauty at the Southbank

Hansel and Gretel, Chiswick Playhouse

This update on everyone's favourite gingerbread-laden fairy tale is designed for kids 6 and up, and combines music and eco-awareness to delight parents and their offspring. Expect a tap-dancing cockroach, obligatory candy cane house made of cake and sweets and lollipops aplenty, as well as a commentary on the digital age and our fight for the planet - this witch has a hankering for single-use plastic as well as kids. The show has original music from award winner Leon Parris and is directed by Lucy Jane Atkinson, and is inspired by the hero of many a child: Greta Thunberg.

WHEN

4 December 2019 - 4 January 2020

WHERE

Chiswick Playhouse, 2 Bath Road, London, W4 1LW

Black Beauty, Southbank Centre

The beloved children's classic comes to life on stage through storytelling, music and puppetry - and is an ideal way to get younger audiences entranced in this story of friendship and bravery. The award-winning production is presented by Red Bridge Arts & Traverse Theatre Company and created by Andy Manley, Andy Cannon and Shona Reppe. Giddy-up.

WHEN

14 December 2019 - 5 January 2020

WHERE

Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bridge Theatre

Sally Cookson's lauded production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at the Bridge this season and follows Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter on an imaginative adventure through the fantasy world of Narnia. Instead of your typical CGI and effects, expect magic to happen in more imaginative ways.

WHEN

09 Nov 2019 – 02 Feb 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

Pinocchio, Watermans

Nearly There Yet is bringing its acrobatic version of Pinocchio to the London kiddie set this Christmas in an adventurous, mischievous show to entertain the whole family. It's part-circus production, part-puppetry show, and wholly enjoyable, as it explores the relationship between father and son. There are even bubbles to keep the younger kids interested.

WHEN

December 7, 2019 - December 30, 2019

WHERE

Waterman Arts Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS

Sam Tutty (Evan Hansen), Lucy Anderson (Zoe Murphy) photo by Matthew Murphy

Dear Evan Hansen, Noel Coward Theatre

One for the teen crowd, this hit, straight-from-six-Tony-Award-wins on Broadway, musical has landed in London and tells the tale of a loner who goes viral - accidentally. It's funny, sure, but also unflinchingly honest. You'll be playing the soundtrack on repeat - and will have plenty to unpick with your teenager afterwards. And they might even put their phone down long enough to discuss.

WHEN

29 Oct 2019 – 04 Apr 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

Noel Coward Theatre
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU

The Boy in the Dress, RSC Stratford Upon Avon

David Walliams' hit book, The Boy in the Dress, is getting the large-scale musical treatment courtesy of the RSC, with songs by Robbie Williams. Yes, this is totally worth the trip out of London.

WHEN

08 Nov 2019 – 08 Mar 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

RSC Stratford-Upon-Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

Sharon Osbourne and Rylan Clark-Neal in Nativity! The Musical

Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo

The annual nativity show is a ritual that parents feel every emotion towards - which is one of the reasons there's a special place in our hearts for Mr. Madden, Mr. Poppy and their adorable St. Bernadettes students. Sharon Osbourne stars, and parents who have watched Nativity! the movie on repeat every Christmas will be thrilled to know that in addition to original songs, they'll be listening to Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment.

WHEN

11 Dec 2019 – 29 Dec 2019, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

WHERE

London's Eventim Apollo
45 Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith , W6 9QH

Alice is plunged into a madcap world in Gerald Barry's opera

Alice's Adventures Under Ground, Royal Opera House

This wonderful operatic version of Alice by Gerald Barry takes you through the cast of characters, and many of Lewis Carroll's storylines, in a brief, entertaining hour.

WHEN

04 Feb 2020 – 09 Feb 2020, Nine performances, times vary. Running time: 1hr

WHERE

Royal Opera House
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD

Be More Chill, The Other Palace Theatre

New musical Be More Chill broke records for the most ticket sales in a single week when it opened at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre. Another high school show with a sci-fi twist, this has an addictive soundtrack and is one to book into post-festive season when you're feeling that February chill.

WHEN

12 Feb 2020 – 03 May 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

The Other Palace Theatre
12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Christmas shows for kids in London

Here are the best shows to book now for autumn and winter's Christmas season for your 5+ child, from an eco-warrior Hansel and Gretel to Black Beauty at the Southbank

Hansel and Gretel, Chiswick Playhouse

Black Beauty, Southbank Centre

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bridge Theatre

Pinocchio, Watermans

Dear Evan Hansen, Noel Coward Theatre

The Boy in the Dress, RSC Stratford Upon Avon

Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo

Alice's Adventures Under Ground, Royal Opera House

Be More Chill, The Other Palace Theatre

Kids

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