Ailing soap stars, dodgy props and jokes you’ve heard a million times before. Yes, panto season is upon us and in the name of Christmas tradition you’re duty bound to take the kids.
Or are you? While Aladdin, Cinderella and the Snow Queen are still going strong, alternative family shows are being established to offer sanctuary from roars of ‘it’s behind you’.
So why not inject some culture into your Christmas tradition with a ballet, stand-up show or even an opera designed just for the little ones.
The (Little) Magic Flute (opera)
Traditional opera would send the kids to sleep in seconds, but these days companies are designing shows specifically with pre-teens in mind. Mozart’s mystical story of heroes, villains and damsels in distress has been adapted for families (hence the ‘little’) and is a great way to introduce the kids to a whole new world of entertainment. The show is currently booking up until the end of November 2005 at various locations across the UK. Book tickets.
The Snowman (ballet)
Cultured kids will love the dance-version of Raymond Brigg’s much-loved Christmas classic, The Snowman. Dancing penguins, singing reindeer and magical music accompany the fantastic choreography which has made the show an annual London event since it first appeared in 1998. The show runs from 7 December 2005 to 8 January 2006 at the Peacock Theatre. Book tickets.
Moscow State Circus (performing arts)
For little ones not yet ready to venture into the world of ballet or opera, the circus is a perfect Christmas treat. The Moscow State Circus is one of the most famous in the world, and combines all the traditional big top elements with dazzling costumes and daredevil stunts. The show is on at Star City in Birmingham from 15 December 2005 to 8 January 2006. Book tickets.
Edward Scissorhands (ballet)
New on the Christmas circuit for 2005 is the stage and dance adaptation of gothic fairytale Edward Scissorhands, whose namesake was played by Johnny Depp in the 1990 film. From the choreographer of the hit musical, Mary Poppins and Swan Lake, this family show runs from 22 November until 5 February at Sadler’s Wells in Covent Garden, London, and will go on tour all over the UK. Book tickets.
Comedy4Kids (stand-up comedy)
James Campbell is probably the only stand-up comedian for kids in the world. The Menier Chocolate Factory in London’s Southwark is the venue for his weekly Comedy Academy 4 Kids aimed at seven to 13-year-olds who fancy themselves as the next generation of stand-ups, and theatres and schools all over the UK host his family-friendly routine. Campbell will be on tour throughout November and December and beyond. See his website for details. Book tickets.
If nothing but the panto will do to get you and the kids in the festive spirit, you’re in luck. Pantomimes, traditional and modern, abound in the UK during the Christmas 2005 season. Here’re some of the best (tickets from Ticketmaster).
Peter Pan – 21 December to 28 January, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre
Snow Queen – 13 December to 15 January, King Georges Hall, Blackburn
Jack And The Beanstalk – 8 December to 15 January, Theatre Royal, Brighton
Cinderella – 9 December to 15 January, Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Aladdin – 3 December to 5 February, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
Cinderella – 13 to 31 December, Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Babes In The Wood – 9 December to 7 January, Tyne Theatre, Newcastle
Mother Goose – 15 December to 17 January, regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent
Keep your little one entertained all the way to panto and back with the Volvo Rear Seat Entertainment System. Watch DVDs with dual back seat screens, play console games, or listen to music through headphones. Find out more.
