Christmas will soon be here and there’s no time like the present to look forward to the season and celebrating with loved ones with a trip to the theatre to enjoy the traditional family panto or other festive show – and Theatre Royal Winchester has a stunning line-up.
The programme begins with The Wassail with Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden (12 November), with the renowned and popular folk performers presenting an evening of seasonal song and music harking back to a time long before carolling – with ‘wassail’ meaning a toast wishing good!
Next, TV favourites, Colin Baker (Doctor Who) and Peter Purves (Blue Peter) star in a new adaptation of the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol: A radio play live on stage (16 November) – with the set a radio studio, the actors ready for a radio broadcast, and sound effects created live on stage – transporting audiences back to Victorian London. Featuring a rare, specially recorded appearance by Tom Baker (Monarch of the Glen) as Jacob Marley.
All ages are welcome to this year’s Theatre Royal Winchester traditional family pantomime – Puss in Boots (29 November –4 January), which tells of Colin the poor Miller’s son, who has no money, no job and no chance of impressing the beautiful princess. Until his faithful cat, Puss, proves they’re no ordinary feline and turns Colin from zero to hero and the adventure begins!
The pantomime features plenty of jokes, original songs and audience participation – with audiences encouraged to book early for the best price and availability. There will also be accessible performances available, and the option to livestream the show.
There’s more festive song from a well-known vocal harmony trio when The Spitfire Sisters present: It’s Snowtime !(9 December). Expect toe-tapping classics like Here Comes Santa Clause, plus original numbers penned in a period style – with the group backed by their band.
A number of film and stage screenings will also take place this Christmas including as part of a charity event – Naomi House & Jacks Place Christmas Movie Night: Love Actually (10 December) – with audiences invited to enjoy a mince pie while listening to Otterbourne Brass play, before the festive favourite, then, The Royal Ballet’s adaptation of The Nutcracker (16 December) is the marvellous Christmas adventure featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies including the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Shortly before Christmas Day, Midwinter Revels (17 December) is a celebration of yuletide past featuring carols, winter folk songs, and weird and wonderful instruments – presented by Green Matthews – a duo that specialises in telling stories through song.
Finally, children get the chance to meet Father Christmas and take home a special present in the popular meet and greet that follows Santa’s Christmas Party (22 December) – a fun, interactive adventure helping Santa to get his party back on track after Jack Frost has been mischievous – with songs such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and party games.
The Wassail with Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Wednesday 12 November, A Christmas Carol: A radio play live on stage on Sunday 16 November, Panto: Puss in Boots from Saturday 29 November to Sunday 4 January, The Spitfire Sisters present, It’s Snowtime! on Tuesday 9 December, Naomi House & Jacks Place Christmas Movie Night: Love Actually on Wednesday 10 December, The Nutcracker screening on Tuesday 16 December, Midwinter Revels on Wednesday 17 December; and Santa’s Christmas Party on Monday 22 December.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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