December Preview: 80 Shows To See This Month

November was a bit of a quiet month for theatre. While we enjoyed some amazing online streams, knowing theatres had their doors shut again delaying so many amazing shows due to open or re-open was always going to dampen our spirits. While we aren't out of the woods yet and the new tier system has meant many theatres around the country have cancelled their plans, December is still as full of theatre as you will be after lunch on Christmas Day. So sit back and enjoy a bumper special of all the best theatre online, in person and on TV this month:

3rd December: UNLIMITED: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz (Online)

The first of four concerts this month from the Reunited series, this is a celebration of the famed composer’s works including Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, Children of Eden, and The Prince of Egypt, featuring artists who performed in Wicked in London, and featuring a special guest appearance from Stephen Schwartz himself. Catch it from 8pm. Tickets from thespie.com

3rd & 17th December: BONNIE LANGFORD (Crazy Coqs + Online)

The Crazy Coqs in central London opens its doors again with 3 shows from West End royalty Bonnie Langford. You can stream the show online or get tickets to be one of the lucky few in the room with her. Tickets available from brasseriezedel.com

3rd - 20th December: GHBoy (Charing Cross Theatre)

A new play about the East London party scene tackles the misconceptions around gay culture and promiscuity. Tickets available from charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

3rd December - 3rd January: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Watermill Theatre)

The first of a host of adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic this month, the show stars actor musicians Pete Ashmore and Tilly-Mae Millbrook. Playing for a month at the theatre in Newbury, tickets are on sale from watermill.org.uk

3rd December - 3rd January: PETER PAN (The Barn Theatre)

Starring Waylon Jacobs, tickets for the show in Cirencester can also be ordered for a digital schools tour online. Tickets from thebarntheatre.com

3rd - 23rd December: CINDERELLA (Turbine Theatre)

Cinderella: A Socially DIstanced Ball was written by Jodie Prenger & Neil Hurst. Starring one of the funniest people of the year, Oscar Conlon-Morrey alongside Rufus Hound, Scott Paige & Daisy Wood Davis, this pantomime promises to be extra naughty so maybe not one for the kids. Catch it at the Turbine Theatre in Battersea.

Tickets available at theturbinetheatre.com

3rd December - 10th January: FROSTBITE, WHO PINCHED MY MUFF? (Garden Theatre)

Created by Gareth Joyner, the alter ego of Britain's Got Talent finalist Myra Dubois, this adult pantomine plays a Christmas season at the Garden Theatre in Vauxhall. Tickets from gardentheatre.co.uk

3rd - 18th December: THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK (Online)

Planned to play to an audience at the Bristol Old Vic, the show ,must go on for the latest stream from Emma Rice's Wise Children. Playing live on December 3rd, 4th & 5th, you can catch the stream again from December 11th-18th. Tickets from wisechildrendigital.com

3rd December - 16th January: THE DUMB WAITER (Hampstead Theatre)

Slightly later than planned, Harold Pinter's The Dumb Waiter returns to London at its original home 60 years after its debut. Tickets from hampsteadtheatre.com

4th December - 17th January: DEATH DROP (Garrick Theatre)

RuPaul's Drag Race stars Courtney Act and Monet X Change join forces to lead Death Drop, a new murder mystery comedy premiering in London. Tickets are available from nimaxtheatres.co.uk

4th December: 42ND STREET (Online)

For 48 hours only from 7pm you can enjoy one of the finest West End recordings of all time as the incredible production from Theatre Royal Drury Lane makes its way online. Watch it at youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon

4th-5th December: THE FABULIST FOX SISTERS (Online)

Southwark Playhouse are treating us with three streams this month. The first is the world premiere of this new musical by Michael Conley telling the story of Kate Fox - a woman who inadvertently invented séances. Catch it streamed live for three performances at 7.45pm each night with a matinee on Saturday at 3.15pm. Tickets are available from southwarkplayhouseco.uk

5th December - 28th February: LES MISERABLES: CONCERT (Sondheim Theatre)

The longest running musical in the West End returns after a 9 month absence this week for an encore run of last years sell out season of Les Miserables In Concert. With an all star cast including Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas, the run has just been extended for another month with more tickets on sale Friday.

Tickets are available from delfontmackintosh.co.uk

5th December: JACK & THE BEANSTALK (Everyman Cinemas & Online)

Created by Peter Duncan, this is the first Covid-friendly socially distanced panto made for cinema. Catch it at Everyman Cinemas around the country as well as being able to stream it online. Tickets are available from https://pantoonline.co.uk/

5th, 12th & 19th December : ALL THAT JAZZ (Ronnie Scotts)

Cassidy Janson hosts a brand new weekly cabaret brunch at the famous Ronnie Scott's. Her guest on the 5th is Lee Mead, Alice Fearn will be joining her on the 12th and Aimie Atkinson is her guest on the 19th. Tickets from ronniescotts.co.uk

5th December - 18th April: SIX (Lyric Theatre)

The sensation that is Six opens its doors again after a few false starts. Transferring from their long term home of the Arts to the bigger Lyric theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited socially distanced run, catch the West End Queens including Danielle Steers, Sophie Isaacs and Courtney Bowman take you on a history lesson of the United Queendom.

Tickets are available from nimaxtheatres.co.uk

5th, 12th & 19th December : ALL THAT JAZZ (Ronnie Scotts)

Cassidy Janson hosts a brand new weekly cabaret brunch at the famous Ronnie Scott's. Her guest on the 5th is Lee Mead, Alice Fearn will be joining her on the 12th and Aimie Atkinson is her guest on the 19th. Tickets from ronniescotts.co.uk

5th & 6th December: STRICTLY COME DANCING (BBC1)

This week Strictly celebrates musicals week. Catch the pro dancers and their celebrity partners dance to some musical classics including 'She Used To Be Mine' from Waitress on Saturday 5th with a special performance from the cast of &Juliet on Sunday 6th.

5th December - 10th January: POTTED PANTO (Garrick Theatre)

This week, Potted Panto returns for the tenth anniversary season taking you through 7 classic pantomimes in 70 minutes. Sharing the Garrick Theatre with Death Drop, tickets are available from nimaxtheatres.co.uk

5th & 6th December : LUCIE JONES, SHANAY HOLMES & MARISHA WALLACE (G-A-Y)

G-A-Y Nightclub at Heaven in Charing Cross is re-opening with some musical theatre stars this weekend. On Saturday there is a Rent reunion with Lucie Jones & Shanay Holmes while Lucie's former Waitress co-star Marisha Wallace headlines on Sunday.

6th December: CRAZY COQS PRESENTS A CROONERS CHRISTMAS (Crazy Coqs)

Bob Harms and Tom Knowles join forces for a celebration of some of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. Tickets from brasseriezedel.com

6th & 7th December: ROLES WE'LL NEVER PLAY (Apollo Theatre)

A massive cast if West End stars gather for two concerts in the Roles We'll Never Play series. Luke Bayer, Jordan Luke Gage, Alice Fearn, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Danielle Steers are just some of the names you can expect to see. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

6th - 24th December: CHRISTMAS IS RUINED/A PERFECT CHRISTMAS (Cockpit)

The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone will re-open with two socially distanced shows. Childrens show Christmas Is Ruined plays from Sunday 6th until Christmas Eve and is also available to stream online, while festive musical revue A Perfect Christmas plays from the 7th. Tickets at thecockpit.org.uk

6th - 24th December: A BRIDGE HOUSE FAREWELL (Online)

A host of West End stars including Rachel Tucker, Marisha Wallace, Suzie Mathers and Emma Hatton join forces for an online event premiering on Sunday 6th and then repeated daily from 10am. Tickets from bhtheatre.com

6th December: AFTER YOU (Online)

Bradley Jaden and Alexia Khadime star in an encore screening of this brand new musical from Alex Parker and Katie Lam. Available to view at 2.30 and 7.30pm. Tickets from https://stream.theatre

6th December: SPOTLIGHT ON THE FUTURE (The Drive In)

After the success of their recent web duet series and online concert, Spotlight on the future are live at the drive in for a one off outdoor concert. Tickets from https://www.thedrivein.london/whats-on/spotlight-on-the-future/about

7th December: SETH RUDETSKY & ANA GASTEYER (Online)

Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with star of stage and screen Ana Gasteyer. The show is live at 1am and repeated at 8pm that evening. Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com

7th December - 2nd January: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dominion Theatre)

The biggest production of A Christmas Carol this month is the musical production from Alan Menken at the huge Dominion Theatre. With a cast including Brian Conley, Lucie Jones, Matt Willis and Cedric Neal, this is one of the must see shows of the month. Tickets from nederlander.co.uk

7th December: SHOWSTOPPER (Garrick Theatre)

Making their long awaited return to the West End stage are The Showstoppers bringing their improv comedy skills in front of an audience who come up with the setting, musical styles and title of a brand new musical created on the spot. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

7th & 8th December: THE UNDERSTUDY (Palace Theatre)

A semi-staged reading of a play starring Stephen Fry, Natalie Casey, Mina Anwar and James Norton among more. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

8th December: THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE (ITV1)

Filmed in Blackpool last weekend, one of the highlights of the calendar airs on ITV1 at 8pm and features performances from Sheridan Smith as Cilla Black, Marisha Wallace and the first performance of 'Let It Go' from Frozen by from West End Elsa Samantha Barks.

8th December - 3rd January: THE COMEBACK (Noel Coward Theatre)

Taking up temporary residency in the Dear Evan Hansen theatre is this new comedy play from Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen. Tickets from delfontmackintosh.co.uk

8th - 23rd December: THE ELF WHO WAS SCARED OF CHRISTMAS (Charing Cross Theatre)

Written and performed by Neil McDermott and Gina Beck, this family friendly Christmas tale is an all-singing, all-dancing musical sensation. Tickets from charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

8th December: WEST END ACOUSTIC (Riverside Studios)

An evening of unplugged performances from West End performers including Sam Tutty, Nicholas McLean, Maiya Quansah-Breed and Tyrone Huntley. Tickets from riversidestudios.co.uk

9th December: KINGS OF BROADWAY (Palace Theatre)

Following their online concert earlier this year, this celebration of Jule Styne, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim hits the West End stage for one night only. Some of the names performing are Sam Tutty, Michael Xavier, Zizi Strallen, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Hadley Fraser. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

9th December - 7th March: THE GREAT GATSBY (Immersive)

The UK's longest running immersive production re-opens after the lockdown to continue its record breaking run, Tickets can be booked at immersivegatsby.com

9th December - 2nd May: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Duchess Theatre)

After seven years in the West End, The Play That Goes Wrong finally re-opens its doors after 9 months away to continue its highly successful run. See Mischief Comedy do what they do best - get everything wrong but in a way that is oh so right. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

9th December - 31st January: MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT (Vaudeville Theatre)

It's a double bill of Mischief Comedy on the 9th as they take residency in two theatres. Mischief Movie Night returns for a limited season where each night is a premiere. They are tested on their improv skills as they create a new movie on the spot every night. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

10th - 13th December: WEST END CHRISTMAS (Online)

Filmed at St Paul's Covent Garden, this concert features Kerry Ellis, Marisha Wallace, Oliver Tompsett and Clive Rowe. Tickets from https://stream.theatre

10th December: REUNITED - Oops...I Streamed It Again (Online)

The second Reunited concert of the month brings the cast of &Juliet back together. Jordan Luke Gage, Tim Mahendran, Grace Mouat, Oliver Tompsett, and 2020 Olivier Award Winner Cassidy Janson reunite to perform a mix of classic pop, rock, and musical theatre songs. Tickets from thespie.com

11th & 12th December: PUBLIC DOMAIN (Online)

Southwark Playhouse host another livestream. This time it's the turn of a dark musical about the Internet, those who own it, those who live in it and you. Tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

11th December: THE PROM (Netflix)

One of the most anticipated titles of the year, this adaptation of the hit Broadway musical stars Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose and Kerry Washington. It will be available on Netflix from the 11th though you can see it early in select Everyman cinemas from December 4th.

11th December - 23rd January: DICK WHITTINGTON (National Theatre)

For one year only, National Theatre are putting on a panto. Catch their version of Dick Whittington in a socially distanced space. Tickets from https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/dick-whittington

12th December - 3rd January: PANTOLAND AT THE PALLADIUM (London Palladium)

The highlight of the panto season is always this star studded spectacular in London. Going ahead with safety measures in place, this years affair stars Julian Clary, Elaine Paige, Beverley Knight, Paul Zerdin, Charlie Stemp, Jac Yarrow, Niger Havers, Gary Wilmot, Ashley Banjo and Diversity. Tickets from lwtheatres.co.uk

12th - 24th December: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Online)

The Old Vic production of A Christmas Carol moves online this year for live streams direct from the venue. Starring Andrew Lincoln as Scrooge, tickets are available from oldvictheatre.com

12th - 13th December: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Palace Theatre)

Gilbert & Sullivan's classic operetta is given an inventive new take for two performances only. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

12th December: JENNA RUSSELL - LIVE IN LONDON (Hippodrome)

As part of Fourth Wall's live massive December residency at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, catch Jenna Russell perform a solo show and showcase her incredible talent. Tickets from fw-live.com

12th December - 21st March: EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE (Apollo Theatre)

The smash hit musical returns to the West End to enter its fourth year and to get ready for the worldwide release of the movie adaptation early next year. Noah Thomas reprises his role in the show which has been updated to include social distancing references. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

14th December: JAGGED LIVE IN NYC: A BROADWAY REUNION CONCERT (Online)

The Broadway cast of Jagged Little Pill are reuniting for the first time in nearly 10 months for a special livestream performance of the show. Elizabeth Stanley, Celia Rose Gooding and Lauren Patten are just three of the stars appearing. Catch it at 8pm ET on Sunday 13th which will be 1am on Monday 14th in the UK. Tickets available from stellartickets.com

14th December: SETH RUDETSKY & JAMES MONROE INGLEHART(Online)

Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with the star of Aladdin and Hamilton. The show is live at 1am and repeated at 8pm that evening. Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com

14th December: DANIELLE STEERS - UNPLUGGED (Hippodrome)

As part of Fourth Wall's Hippodrome season, catch Six and Bat Out Of Hell star Danielle Steers as she shows off one of the most distinctive and phenomenal voices in the West End. Tickets from fw-live.com

14th December: MARISHA WALLACE (Jazz Cafe)

The star of Waitress and Dreamgirls launches her new album 'Tomorrow' with a show at the Jazz Cafe in London with special guest Kerry Ellis. Tickets from thejazzcafelondon.com

14th - 20th December: CATFISH IN CONCERT (Online)

The concert production of the brand new musical gets an encore screening for one week. Featuring a cast of upcoming talent, this is one show you won't want to miss. Tickets from https://stream.theatre

15th - 19th December: HOW TO LIVE A JELLICLE LIFE (Lion & Unicorn Theatre)

The show about life lessons learned from the 2019 hit movie musical Cats returns for another run at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Tickets are on sale from thelionandunicorntheatre.com

15th & 21st December: LOU & RACHEL'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER (Crazy Coqs & Online)

Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker reunite, years after performing together in Wicked, for two shows at the Crazy Coqs in London. Also streaming online, expect some festive cheer from the pair. Tickets from brasseriezedel.com

16th December: LOOKING A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS (Online)

The Donmar Warehouse presents a concert filmed at St Paul's Church starring Imelda Staunton, Giles Terera, Rosalie Craig and Sharon Rose. It will be available to stream from youtube.com/donmarwarehousetheatre

17th December: THE HAUNTING OF ALICE BOWLES (Online)

This new supernatural thriller stars Tamzin Outhwaite and will be available to watch from 7.30pm at your leisure until February 28th. Tickets

17th December: REUNITED - GIRL POWER (Online)

Seven Queens from Six reunite to form their new girlband performing songs by famous girl bands. Catch Aimie Atkinson, Alexia McIntosh, Grace Mouat, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Maiya Quansah-Breed and Jarneia Richard-Noel witj tickets at thespie.com

from originaltheatreonline.com

17th - 20th December: A CHRISTMAS WISH (Online)

Songwriters Anderson & Petty have put together a virtual concert featuring Melissa Jacques, Sophie Isaacs, Harriet Thorpe, Michael Xavier, Matt Croke, Lizzie Bea and Rosa O'Reilly to name just a few. Tickets from https://stream.theatre

17th - 24th December: THE SNOW QUEEN (Online)

The New Wolsey Theatre's Rock n Roll panto could be the most accessible live panto available online. All performances will have captioning and audio descriptions as options with a BSL interpreted show on the 23rd. Stream it online from wolseytheatre.co.uk

17th - 20th December: WEST END MUSICAL CHRISTMAS (Palace Theatre)

West End superstars gather together to celebrate Christmas at the Palace. Shanay Holmes hosts a lineup consisting of Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Ben Forster, Rachel John, Jamie Muscato, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Layton Williams. Tickets from nimaxtheatres.com

17th - 19th December: BAA HUMBUG (Bateaux London)

A stocking full of showtunes is in store with three performers who have all played Marius in Les Miserables as well as a 3 hoiur cruise on the Thames. Tickets from opportunetheatre.co.uk

18th December: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM (Netflix)

This play was last seen in the West End starring Sharon D Clarke in 2016. Now it has a new movie adaptation starring Chadwick Boseman in his final role. Catch it on Netflix from the 18th.

18th December: OLIVER TOMPSETT - LIVE IN LONDON (Hippodrome)

Shakespeare from &Juliet is branching out for a solo show at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square. Tickets from fw-live.om

18th December: FUNNY GALS - VIKKI STONE & NATASHA BARNES (Hippodrome)

Catch Vikki Stone team up with Funny Girl star Natasha Barnes for a history of women being hilarious in musicals. Tickets from fw-live.com

18th December: BLAKE PATRICK ANDERSON - MULLED WINE (Online)

The star of Rent, Hair and Be More Chill has won a lot of fans this year. If you are yet to see why, buy a ticket for his livestream Christmas concert. Tickets from eventbrite.co.uk

18th & 19th December - STAY AWAKE, JAKE (Online)

The final show streaming live from Southwark Playhouse this month is Tim Gilvim's musical about one man's journey across England's deserted motorways in the middle of the night. Tickets from southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

19th December: THE TWO ALADDINS - DEAN JOHN WILSON & MATTHEW CROKE

The Hippodrome Casino plays host to two former West End Aladdin's perform together without a Jasmine in sight. Talk about a whole new world! Tickets from fw-live.com

20th December - 1st January: WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Online)

Denise Welch hosts a collection of stars incouding Courtney Act, Brenda Edwards, Sheila Ferguson, Sophie Isaacs, Cassidy Janson, Lee Mead, Jodie Prenger and the cast of A Christmas Carol - The Musical. Tickets from https://stream.theatre

20th December: SARAH BRIGHTMAN - A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY (Online)

For her first ever livestream, Sarah Brightman teams up with Andrew Lloyd Webber for a special concert performed at the Spitalfields Christ Church. Tickets from https://store.sarahbrightman.com/

20th December - THE GRINCH (Sky One)

Filmed at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley, the latest live musical for NBC stars Matthew Morrison and will air in the US on December 9th. You can catch it here on December 20th when it debuts on Sky one

21st December: SETH RUDETSKY & ADAM PASCAL (Online)

Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with the star of Rent and Memphis. The show is live at 1am and repeated at 8pm that evening. Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com

21st - 23rd December: A VERY MOVIE CHRISTMAS (Charing Cross Theatre)

Trevor Dion Nicholas hosts a musical holiday celebration featuring songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Tickets from charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

21st December: REUNITED - ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS THEATRE (Online)

The fourth and final instalment of the Reunited Series arrives at 8pm A love letter to the tradition of seeing theatre with those you love during the holiday season. More than three dozen top UK theatre artists are lending their talents to this special concert, featuring classic Christmas songs of all styles. Tickets from thespie.com

22nd December: SHOWSTOPPER CHRISTMAS LIVESTREAM (Online)

If you can't make it to one of The Showstoppers shows this month, catch them as they squeeze in one more livestream this year and this time it's a festive special. Tickets from eventbrite.co.uk/

22nd December - 9th January: SUNSET BOULEVARD (Online)

After their production at Curve Leicester was forced to be cancelled, the show must go online as the cast gather on stage to stream the concert for a limited time. Tickets from https://www.curveonline.co.uk/

23rd December: THE THEATRE CHANNEL - THE HOLIDAY EPISODE (Online)

The fourth episode in the Theatre Channel series is a holiday special starring Matt Croke, Cassidy Janson, Rachel John, Zizi Strallen and Tosh Wanogho-Maud among others. Tickets from thetheatrecafe.co.uk

28th December: SETH RUDETSKY & KERRY BUTLER (Online)

Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with the star of Hairspray and Beetlejuice. The show is live at 1am and repeated at 8pm that evening. Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com

28th December: EMMA HATTON - SONGBIRD (Charing Cross Theatre)

After appearing in Wicked and Evita, Emma presents a show celebrating Eva Cassidy. Tickets available at charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

30th December: UNCLE VANYA (BBC Four)

The recent stage version starring Toby Jomes amd Richard Armitage has been specially filmed and will be broadcast on BBC Four over the festive season. Catch it at 10pm on BBC Four.

30th December: SHARON SEXTON & ROB FOWLER (Charing Cross Theatre)

Appearing together in Bat Out Of Hell and Mamma Mia, Sexton & Fowler are gold when they are on stage together. Catch them as they say farewell to 2020 (not the F word I'd choose to send off this year) in a way only they know how. On the same day, you can catch a matinee of Sharon Sexton as Liza Minelli at the same venue. Tickets for both available from charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

What a way to wrap up a very trying year - with over 70 amazing shows to enjoy. There's no excuse to not feast yourself on all this stagey goodness.

2021 looks like it's going to be a brilliant year too with a lot of new shows and all your favourites finally re-opening. Look out for a preview later this month.

If you have or know of any shows you would like included in my weekly or monthly posts, send me an email on site.allthatdazzles@gmail.com. Or you could let me know on twitter.com/ATDazzles facebook.com/ATDazzles and instagram.com/ATDazzles. Why not give me a cheeky follow while you're there too?