Christmas is fast approaching. If you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear Santas sleighbells as he takes it to the local petrol station in preparation... then moans about the price of petrol.
There's been no shortage of show round ups on the website lately but how about one very simple one listing my top 12 picks of Christmas!
Here are 12 of the very best shows to check out this Christmas:
NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL (Birmingham Rep)
Until January 7th 2023
Returning to the venue it receives its world premiere 5 years ago, the festive favourite plays for a limited 7 week run. Tickets from birmingham-rep.co.uk
Read our 5 Star review
ELF (Dominion Theatre)
Until January 7th 2023
The smash hit musical returns to London for a limited 8 week season. Starring Simon Lipkin, Georgina Castle, Tom Chambers, Kim Ismay and Rebecca Lock, tickets from http://elflondon.com/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Old Vic)
Until January 7th 2023
Matthew Warchus’s visionary retelling of the Charles Dickens classic has become a Christmas tradition at the Old Vic. Starring Owen Teale as Scrooge, this version fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story. Tickets from oldvictheatre.com
WHITE CHRISTMAS (UK Tour)
Until December 31st
Irving Berlin's musical returns to the UK with a cast including Jay McGuiness and Lorna Luft. Catch it in Liverpoool this month. Tickets from https://www.whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bridge Theatre)
Until December 31st
Simon Russell Beale and Eben Figueriredo return to the Bridge for Nicholas Hytner’s production of the festive favourite. After having its 2020 run cut short sue to Covid, it now gets a chance to enjoy a full December run. Tickets from http://www.bridgetheatre.co.uk/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL-ISH (Soho Theatre)
Until December 23rd
Nick Mohammed, Sarah Hadland, Kieran Hodgson and David Elms star in this musical retelling of… well, you get it by now. Tickets from https://sohotheatre.com/
WHO'S HOLIDAY (Southwark Playhouse)
Until January 7th 2023
Drag Race icon Miz Cracker stars in the European debut of this wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy based on the Dr Seuss classic festive tale The Grinch. Tickets from https://tuckshopuk.com/event/whos-holiday
Review to follow next week
DOLLY PARTON’S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL (Southbank Centre)
Until January 8th 2023
Dolly Parton brings her Smoky Mountain adaptation of Dickens Christmas Carol to London for a limited season. Set in East Tennessee in the 1930s, this production imagines Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town. Tickets from http://www.dollyschristmascarol.com/
CLAUS THE MUSICAL (The Lowry, Salford)
Until January 8th 2023
The world premiere of the musical based on the classic by L.Frank Baum tells the story of Santa Claus as he embarks on a journey to bring the miracle of Christmas to the whole world. Tickets from www.thelowry.com
Review to follow next week
GHOSTED: ANOTHER F***ING CHRISTMAS CAROL (The Other Palace)
Until January 7th 2023
This adults only queered up tale takes the original story of A Christmas Carol and makes it filthy. Absolutely hilarious, tickets from theotherpalace.co.uk
WEST END MUSICAL CHRISTMAS (Lyric Theatre)
December 19th
The West End Musical series returns for another festive spectacular, following an amazing Halloween treat. Boasting unique performances from Layton Williams, Rachel John, Shanay Holmes, Oliver Ormson, Sophie Isaacs, Laura Pick and Star Of Musical Con winner Joshua Williams, tickets from https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/west-end-musical-christmas-lyric/
THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Until December 23rd
If you fancy a trip to Norfolk for the day, Thursford turn the village into a beautiful Christmas wonderland every year. Featuring Santas village, a lantern trail and a spectacular all singing and all dancing show, this is a delight for all the family. Tickets from https://www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular/
Look out for a big 2023 preview before the New Year.