Christmas in July has become something of a tradition with TV shopping channels promoting early, festive decorations and gifts, music festivals oftentimes witnessing festival-goers dressed in red, white and green seasonal attire, and tourist attractions marketing Yuletide events during the blistering heat!
Theatre Royal Winchester is no different with several Christmas shows now on sale!
This year, Christmas comes early with the return of A Christmas Carol: A radio play live on stage following its sell-out success last year and featuring Colin Baker (Doctor Who). This new adaptation of the Dickens’ classic of Ebenezer Scrooge, met by three Christmas spirits, is presented as a radio-play-live-on-stage meaning the setting is a radio studio with the actors ready to broadcast and sound effects created live on stage! The show will be performed on Sunday 15 November with the option to livestream from the comfort of home!
Next, this year’s traditional family pantomime at Theatre Royal Winchester is Sleeping Beauty, which runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. It tells the story of Princess Rose and a wicked curse that is placed on the kingdom where she lives, putting everyone to sleep. The pantomime is written and directed by Robin Belfield, with music by Simon Slater, and is packed with original songs, plenty of audience participation and mayhem! There will also be accessible performances (relaxed, BSL interpreted and audio described) so audiences can enjoy the show in an environment that’s right for them. The pantomime is kindly supported by regional law firm, Paris Smith.
The classic seasonal love story, The Holiday, is screened as part of the annual Naomi and Jack’s Christmas Movie Night – this year on Thursday 10 December. This is a community fundraiser for charity, Naomi’s House and Jacksplace, which provides care for seriously ill children, young adults and their families. With live music in the bar from 6.30pm.
Christmas Greetings LIVE! on Monday 14 December is an evening of seasonal joy featuring live piano, cello and violin and graceful ballet – with stunning string arrangements showcasing the best of festive classics and film favourites such as from The Nutcracker, White Christmas, Home Alone and more.
On Tuesday 15 December, Theatre Royal Winchester presents a Royal Ballet cinema screening of Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker – the story of a magician’s nephew who has been turned into a Nutcracker and a battle to defeat the Mouse King and find love for the young man. The Nutcracker features composer Tchaikovsky’s familiar melodies.
Finally – with just days before the big day – Santa’s Best Ever Christmas on Monday 21 December is an interactive, musical adventure that tells of Santa’s friends trying to discover why he thinks this Christmas is going to be the best yet! With festive and children’s favourite songs, the show features children’s TV’s Chris Jarvis as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer! Following each show there’s a Meet and Greet with Santa when every child gets a present!
A Christmas Carol: A radio play live on stage (plus livestream option) will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 15 November at 7.30pm.Sleeping Beauty will run from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 at various times. Naomi and Jack’s Christmas Movie Night will take place on Thursday 10 December at 7.15pm. Christmas Greetings LIVE! will be on Monday 14 December at 7.30pm. The Nutcracker will be on Tuesday 15 December at 6.30pm. Santa’s Best Ever Christmas will be on Monday 21 December at 10.30am, 1.30pm, and 4pm.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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