In showtime, theatre, Events, on stage, shows, Christmas, christmas carols, music

It’s behind you! Well actually it’s in front of you, as the Christmas period is the perfect time to hit the theatre, go to a carol concert or take in a festive film, and there’s lots happening this December. So strap in and read up and get ready to book your seats!

It’s panto time

No-one can resist the traditional English pantomime… The screaming kids, the terrible jokes that we all laugh at regardless, and the dames of course. So here’s our top choices for this year.

Snow White is this year’s De Montfort Hall pantomime, a Leicester tradition if there ever was one. Starring Drag Race finalist Divina Di Campo, CBeebies fave Gyashi Sheppey, X-Factor winner and local lass Sam Bailey, comedian Jarred Christmas and Jack Ballard. Snow White is running from 13 December through to the end of the Christmas holidays on 5 January.

Sleeping Beauty is this year’s Little Theatre ‘pantomime of your dreams’! An array of colourful characters will try and protect the beautiful Princess Aurora, including Dame Nanny Night Nurse and Tickles, the hilarious court jester. Oh… and of course The Vain Prince Valiant will turn up (eventually) to lend a helping hand. Also from 13 December to 5 January.

There’s got to be something for the littler kids of course, and Curve have come up with the awesome family show Pirates Love Underpants, based on the popular picture books. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, set sail for a family adventure from 2 December to 5 January.

On Saturday 21 December and following last year’s sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present their next hit Santa Show this Christmas. In Santa’s Christmas Cracker at the Y Theatre, join Father Christmas and friends for a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas – every child gets a gift and you may even get to pull a cracker with Dotty the Elf!

More Christmas shows and performances!

The Curve show of the season is the classic musical My Fair Lady. A Made at Curve production, you can expect all the songs you know from the film, a lavish production as per usual from this amazing theatre, and some superb performances. Running from 23 November through to 4 January.

As they build up to Christmas and the annual panto, expect some fantastic shows at De Montfort Hall to get you in the spirit of the season. On Tuesday 26 November That’ll be the Day’s So This Is Christmas show blends hilarious comedy sketches with heartwarming renditions of all your favourite Christmas songs.

Then on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December, from the producers of Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners comes Fairytale of New York. This very Irish celebration of Christmas will see classic Christmas tunes blend with fantastic Irish singalongs in a party with all the craic.

On Monday 9 December at Leicester’s Guildhall, come and enjoy Christmas ghost stories from MR James with A Warning to the Curious, the third instalment of Nunkie’s M R James Project. Featuring Lost Hearts, one of James’ most memorable black magicians, the predatory Mr. Abney and in the titular story, one of his most poignant and personal works, inspired by the author’s holidays in Aldeburgh, a young archaeologist is haunted by the guardian of an ancient treasure.

On 13 December at the Guildhall there are Christmas tales for all ages. First off North Pole Tales gives younger visitors a chance to hear enchanting stories, interactive songs and activities with Rudolph, Father Christmas and friends. Then in the afternoon embrace the darker side of the festive season with our special event of folklore and fun featuring the legendary Krampus. Then in the evening join host Charles Dickens, mixologist Thursday and renowned festival storyteller Jacob Cracker (Deceased) in the atmospheric surroundings of the Great Hall for an interactive evening of Chilling Tales for Christmas told by lanternlight and served with a festive twist.

The Guildhall’s festive highlight is always Charles Dickens’ Great Great Grandson Gerald Dickens performance of A Christmas Carol. Performing 26 characters, Gerald brings his ancestor’s book to life like no other person in the surroundings of the Guildhall’s ancient Great Hall and its roaring fire. In his own words “the wonderful timbers and crooked walls lend a perfect backdrop for the show.”

Carol concerts and music

WINTER VOICE II is a heartwarming showcase of young talent from around the city, featuring the renowned Kainé Junior Choir. Audiences can expect an array of performances highlighting the talent of Leicester’s youngest artists. On at Curve Monday 2 December.

On Friday 6 December, choirs from Catholic Schools from the city and county come together at De Montfort Hall to perform traditional and contemporary carols in support of Menphys, the charity supporting children with disabilities from across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

On Saturday 7 December at St James the Greater Church on London Road, Ex Cathedra perform a selection of Christmas favourites, little-known gems and gorgeous new music, interspersed with a selection of readings, to explore the magic, mystery – and humour – of the season.

Come to the Y Theatre on Wednesday 11 December for the annual YMCA Carol Concert. Featuring live performances, bible readings and carol singing. This cosy carol service is a great time to meet with friends and celebrate Christmas with mulled wine and mince pies. The event is free and open to all communities.

Join Kingfisher Chorale at Leicester Guildhall for their traditional concerts of Christmas music and readings. Their concerts are always a highlight of the festive season, with a mix of traditional and new pieces to bring alive the feeling of Christmas. Performances on Tuesday 17, Thursday 19 and Saturday 21 December.

Festive Films

The Guildhall brings you a triple header of three of the most loved Christmas movies on 15 December. The Muppet Christmas Carol starts the day, followed by the heartwarming classic Miracle on 34th Street, the original 1947 version starring Natalie Wood,  and then rounding off with Die Hard (yes, it is a Christmas film, there will be no argument).

Phoenix cinema have a whole festive season across their four screens, where in addition to the latest blockbusters like Paddington in Peru and Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, they will be showing festive classics like White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, Elf and Home Alone. Plus there are special Family Pyjama Part screenings, where you get a free hot chocolate and Christmas Cookie to enjoy as you watch classics in your PJs. Visit their website for more info.

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