What a week it's been. From shows having to close due to Tier 3 restrictions to then being put in Tier 4, it's easy to feel downhearted from all that is going on. Thankfully, theatre doesn't stop even when it's Christmas and this week sees an abundance of fantastic titles to enjoy online and on TV. Here are some of the best stagey things to enjoy over the next 7 days:
WHAT?
Denise Welch hosts We Need A Little Christmas full of a collection of stars including Brenda Edwards, Sheila Ferguson, Sophie Isaacs, Cassidy Janson, Lee Mead and Jodie Prenger to deliver performances of some old and new Christmas favourites.
WHEN?
The show premieres on Sunday 20th December at 7.30pm with more performances every night at the same time until 1st January with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
WHERE?
Tickets from https://stream.theatre. Look out for my review later today.
WHAT?
The original Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and the former Mrs Lloyd Webber, Sarah Brightman reunites with her ex-husband for her first ever livestream. This special concert is performed at the Spitalfields Christ Church and also has a guest appearance from Aled Jones.
WHEN?
It streams on Sunday 20th December at 7.30pm and is available in different time zones for those of you streaming from outside the UK.
WHERE?
Tickets from https://store.sarahbrightman.com/
WHAT?
If you fancy something new this Christmas, check out Winter Warmers which celebrates new theatrical and holiday writing. Hosted by Dominic Gray, it features an incredible line-up including Taylor Louderman, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Grace Mouat and Emma Hatton,.
WHEN?
You can catch it at 7.30pm on Sunday 20th December and Monday 21st December
WHERE?
Tickets cost just £6 and are available from https://www.redpianoproductions.co.uk/
WHAT?
Filmed at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley, the latest live musical produced for American channel NBC stars Matthew Morrison alongside a host of British talemt including Gary Wilmot
WHEN?
It premieres in the UK on Sunday 20th December at 3.30pm
WHERE?
Catch it on Sky One.
WHAT?
Seth Rudetsky's weekly concert series continues with star of Rent and Memphis Adam Pascal. He will talk about his career and perform songs from it.
WHEN?
The show is live onSunday 20th December at 8pm ET which is 1am in the UK on Sunday 21st December and repeated at 8pm that evening.
WHERE?
Tickets from thesethconcertseries.com
WHAT?
The fourth and final instalment of the Reunited Series is 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.
WHEN?
Premiering on Monday 21st December at 8pm
WHERE?
Tickets from thespie.com
WHAT?
The stage adaptation of the classic novel The Railway Children makes its way online this week as part of The Shows Must Go On series. The show was staged in a purpoise built theatre in Kings Cross complete with a railway track and platforms.
WHEN?
Catch it from Monday 21st December at 2pm for 48 hours only
WHERE?
WHAT?
The Showstoppers have kept their improvised genius entertaining us throughout the year whether they have been allowed on stage or not. You now have one last chance to catch them this year with a festive livestream.
WHEN?
The show takes place on Tuesday 22nd December at 7.30pm
WHERE?
Tickets from https://showstopperthemusical.com/
WHAT?
Due to be performed at Curve Leicester this month, the show must go online as the cast gather on stage to stream the concert for a limited time. Catch Ria Jones reprise her role as the iconic Norma Desmond with Danny Mac also returning to the show/
WHEN?
The show first streams on Tuesday 22nd December at 7.30pm and is available until Saturday 9th January 2021 at various times with up to three performances each day.
WHERE?
Tickets from https://www.curveonline.co.uk/
WHAT?
This Christmas, Mischief Comedy were due to dominate the West End with shows occupying two major theatres... but then it all went wrong. Luckily you can still get your fix of Mischief this Christmas with a festive special of The Goes Wrong Show on TV and a stream of their improvised show Mischief Movie Night.
WHEN?
The Goes Wrong Show: The Nativity is on Tuesday 22nd December at 7pm
Mischief Movie Night streams for six performances from Sunday 27th December at 8pm
WHERE?
The Goes Wrong Show airs on BBC1 and will be available on iPlayer.
Get tickets for Mischief Movie Night from https://mischiefcomedy.com/our-work/mischief-movie-night/about
WHAT?
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 to perform some festive favourites.
WHEN?
The episode debuts on Wednesday 23rd December
WHERE?
Tickets from thetheatrecafe.co.uk
WHAT?
For one year only, the National Theatre brought a pantomime to its stage with its production of Dick Whittington. In homour of all the theatres that were forced to cancel their pantos this year, the are sharing it online for free over Christmas.
WHEN?
It premieres on Wednesday 23rd December at 3pm and is available until midnight on Sunday 27th December.
WHERE?
It streams on the National Theatre's YouTube channel.
WHAT?
Playing a season at the Garrick Theatre, Potted Panto had its run cut short due to the tier system. You can now catch the show online for a limuted time ahead of its encore run in the West End next Easter.
WHEN?
The first performance online is on Christmas Eve at 1pm with performances running until January 10th.
WHERE?
Get your tickets at https://stream.theatre
Hope everyone finds something to enjoy through the week and has a very merry Christmas. Next week look out for a January preview as well asa big look at what's to come in 2021.
As always, anything you want me to include please let me know on twitter.com/ATDazzles instagram.com/ATDazzles or email me on site.allthatdazzles@gmail.com