10 festive musicals to see over Christmas
A festive selection on the stage
It's the most wonderful time of the year once again with Christmas just around the corner you may be looking for something to catch on stage during the festive period.
We've put together a list of some of the shows you can catch within the world of musical theatre in in the West End and beyond. From Christmas classics to childhood favourites!
10 musicals to watch at Christmas:
Elf the Musical
Where: Dominion Theatre, London
When: until 7th January 2023
One of the most iconic Christmas film's of the 21st century, the musical adaptation of Elf returns to London for another festive run at the Dominion Theatre. Telling the story of Buddy the Elf who travels to New York to find his father, the 2022 run stars Simon Lipkin, Georgina Castle, Tom Chambers and Rebecca Lock.
White Christmas
Where: UK Tour
When: until 26th November (Nottingham Theatre Royal), 28th November - 3rd December (Sunderland Empire), 6th - 31st December (Liverpool Empire)
Age guidance: 8+
If you're a fan of classic Christmas films then here's the show for you. The UK tour of Made at Curve's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas has returned this year to visit more venues in the UK.
The musical includes plenty of songs featured in the 1954 film including 'Blue Skies', 'Sisters', 'I Love A Piano', 'Count Your Blessings' and of course 'White Christmas'.
The Wizard of Oz
Where: Curve Theatre, Leicester
When: 19th November 2022 - 8th January 2023
Age guidance: 6+
There's no place like home and there's no story like the Wizard of Oz. The exciting new production features the music from the beloved Judy Garland film alongside the new music written for the show by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
Claus the Musical
Where: The Lowry, Salford
When: 14th December 2022 -8th January 2023
Age guidance: 6+
If you're in the mood for something brand new and festive, then this may be the show for you! The musical is based on The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by The Wizard Oz author L. Frank Baum.
Featuring songs by Andy Collyer the musical tells tho story of - you guessed it- Santa!
Hex
Where: Olivier Theatre, London
When: 26th November 2022 – 14th January 2023
Age guidance: 8+
After last year's run was cut short by COVID, the National Theatre's brand new musical Hex has returned in 2022. The musical is new spin on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty which is from the fairy's point of view.
Directed by Rufus Norris the show stars Rosie Graham as Princess Rose, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Queenie, Lisa Lambe as Fairy and Michael Elcock as Bert.
Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
When: 8th December 2022 – 8 January 2023
Age guidance: 8+
There have been so many adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas but who can resist it with a Dolly Parton twist! This version of the story takes the show to the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and yes, Dolly wrote the music and lyrics!
Nativity! The Musical
Where: Birmingham Rep, Birmingham
When: until 7th January 2023
Age guidance: 6+
Another great Christmas film which has made its way to the stage is Nativity! which brings to life the story of a school who attempt to put together the greatest Nativity show ever when there's news that a Hollywood producer on the way. The musical also includes the film's hits 'Sparkle and Shine', 'Nazareth', 'One Night One Moment' and 'She's the Brightest Star'.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical
Where: Leeds Playhouse, Leeds
Another children's classic book adapted for the stage Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory returns for its first UK revival at the Leeds Playhouse this Christmas.
Can't make it to Leeds? The musical will then head on tour in the new year.
Disney's Frozen
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
When: booking through until June 2023
Age guidance 6+
We know, you could see this any time of year but there's something lovely about seeing Disney's Frozen while it's chilly outside. Samantha Barks continues in the role of Elsa and Emily Lane has recently taken over the role of Anna.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
When: until 8th January 2023
Age guidance: 6+
Another wintery favourite is The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Now this stage adaptation isn't strictly a musical but does include some musical elements. The show based on C.S Lewis' classic tale is about to finish its West End run at the Gillian Lynne so it may be your last opportunity to head to Narnia - for now at least!
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