With schools out and families taking time to get together over Christmas and New Year, here are our top picks of what to do over the Christmas holidays:
Hansel & Grettel, North Wall, until Jan 4 – We loved it! Creation Theatre excelled with its dramatic, fun and kookie take on the Brothers Grimm’s classic fairy tale, full of mischief, creatures and thrills. READ OUR REVIEW HERE The singing, dancing and sheer musicality are superb and the pace never lets up. The perfect panto alternative for anyone aged 5-105. . https://creationtheatre.co.uk/show/hansel-and-grettel/
Sleeping Beauty, Oxford Playhouse, until Sunday January 5. Oh how we laughed, sang and booed as Walter The Wicked ensures that Princess Aurora pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep for 1000 years, waking up in 1985. READ OUR REVIEW HERE Luckily for Aurora, her friends are there to rescue her, alongside a time machine, multiple outfit changes, a water pistol, sweet throwing and some major 80s nostalgia. Book here: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/sleeping-beauty
OSJ – Ding, dong, merrily on high! The Orchestra of St John’s has a myriad of Christmas concerts to get you in the spirit in both Dorchester Abbey and SJE Arts (from Handel’s Messiah (Dec 21-21) to its annual NYE concert, there’s something for everyone. https://www.osj.org.uk/forthcoming-concerts/
Hurry Up Father Christmas! Burton Taylor Studio, until Dec 29 Aimed at children aged 3-6, this perfect festive treat for young audiences, welcomes Mr Tick Tock and Father Christmas as they race to get ready in time for the big day. Written by the wonderful Helen Eastman join Ivy, an elf, and Mr Tick Tock in Father Christmas’ sleigh shed in the North Pole, as young theatregoers help get the sleigh on its way. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/hurry-up-father-christmas
Jack and The Beanstalk, The Theatre Chipping Norton until Jan 12. Join Jack and his mother Gertie in the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord READ OUR REVIEW HERE as turmoil hits and Norse chief Olaf Billybookcase is fending off his daughter Inge’s quest to be Queen amidst much mayhem, laughter, gardening giants and Ikea dresses. Exactly what a panto should be – funny, energetic and ‘blimmin’ pantastic’. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk
War Horse, New Theatre Oxford, until Sat Jan 4 – Perhaps not the most festive offering, but what it lacks in tinsel it makes up for in drama, the world famous show taking you on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. READ OUR REVIEW HERE Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, and filled with stirring music, songs and astonishing life-sized horses, it is literally unforgettable. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/war-horse/new-theatre-oxford/
Cinderella Ice-cream Seller, Story Museum until Tuesday December 31. This brand-new musical is a tale of perseverance, princes, palace balls, glass slippers and ice-cream, written and composed by author and musician David Gibb. Following Cinderella’s happy-ever-after, her chain of ice-cream parlours become a huge success. Share her rags to riches story with storytelling, live music, and theatrical magic. Book here https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/cinderella-ice-cream-seller
The Gruffalo, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, until Dec 24.This magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler features songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ much-loved show. And don’t miss the Crafty Time sessions for children aged 2-10 every weekend throughout the run! https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/gruffalo-2024/
Christmas at Blenheim, until Jan 1, (market finishes on Dec 22) – Choose from Neverland, The Light Trail, Great Skate and Christmas Market. Blenheim has gone all out this year with a myriad of options to help celebrate the festive season READ OUR REVIEW HERE, from an indoor Peter Pan world to the outdoor light fantastic spectacle, a trip across the ice a go on the Ferris Wheel or the chance to buy your Christmas gifts, take your pick or do them all in one go. BOOK HERE
Cinderella at Cornerstone, Didcot until Dec 31. Cinderella dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her Wicked Stepsisters. Luckily, she has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons, to brighten her days. When the dashing Prince Charming decides to throw a grand ball to find his future wife, Cinderella sees her chance, and with a wave of the Fairy Godmother’s wand and some pumpkin spice, anything is possible! BOOK HERE
The Elves and The Shoemaker, until December 24, Pegasus. Popular, Oxford-based puppet company Wild Boor Ideas has joined forces with Pegasus Theatre this Christmas to put on a show for children aged 2- 7 years and their families in a performance packed with puppetry, clowning, songs, interaction, silliness and lot of puns, designed for early readers. http://www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
Little Robin Red Vest, Bicester Leisure Centre, until Dec 24. Enjoy Filskit Theatre‘s brand-new adaptation of Jane Fearnley’s picture book aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families about Little Robin rewarded by Father Christmas for his kindness using original songs, puppetry to share this heartwarming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving. https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/little-robin-red-vest/
Oxfordshire Christmas Markets. Christmas shopping looming? There are Christmas markets stretching county-wide between now and Christmas so read our guide here and take your pick! TOP 10+: Oxfordshire’s Christmas Markets in Oxford, Banbury, Botley, Blenheim, Chalgrove, Chipping Norton, Deddington, Woodstock and Witney!
