12 Must-See Christmas Shows in London

Jesus Christ Superstar

Not technically a Christmas show, but absolutely one of the theatrical events of the festive season. Following its hugely anticipated summer run at the London Palladium, the acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar transfers to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with Sam Ryder continuing in the role of Jesus. The legendary rock musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber brings its electrifying score and powerful story of faith, fame and betrayal back to the West End. With a stellar line-up of guest stars taking on King Herod, this is one to have on your Christmas theatre radar.

Potted Panto

Seven classic pantomimes. One very speedy show. Potted Panto returns to London for another festive season, cramming everything from fairytale heroes and dastardly villains to songs, silliness and audience participation into just 80 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for families who want all the fun of a traditional Christmas panto without spending their entire afternoon at the theatre. Expect plenty of laughs, plenty of festive chaos and a very quick trip through some of your favourite fairy tales.

Cinderella

Get ready to meet Cinderella all over again at the Lyric Hammersmith, where the classic fairytale gets the full panto treatment. Expect show-stopping songs, laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular surprises and the Lyric’s trademark twist on the story. With pumpkins, glass slippers and a little bit of festive magic, this is a brilliant choice for a family Christmas outing. And yes, there are three different Cinderellas on our list this year — so choose your slipper wisely!

Cinderella: Buttons Undone!

Our second Cinderella is a little less traditional. Cinderella: Buttons Undone! puts a cheeky, comic spin on the classic fairytale, promising plenty of laughs and festive panto fun. If you’re looking for something a little more grown-up and gloriously silly this Christmas, this is the Cinderella for you. Playing at Charing Cross Theatre, it’s a brilliant alternative to the more traditional family pantos — and another chance to see just how many ways one fairytale can be reinvented.

Cirque Alice

Go down, down the rabbit hole this Christmas with Cirque Alice. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world, this spectacular production combines the magic of Wonderland with breathtaking circus skills, including aerialists, contortionists, puppetry and dance. Expect gravity-defying feats, imaginative staging and a thrilling soundtrack as Alice’s adventure is brought to life at the Royal Festival Hall. For something that feels a little different from a traditional Christmas show, Cirque Alice is a spectacular festive treat for the whole family.

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

And here’s our third — and very different — Cinderella. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella transforms the classic fairytale into a thrilling wartime romance, set against the backdrop of London during the Blitz. This acclaimed dance production returns to Sadler’s Wells for its 30th anniversary, combining Bourne’s distinctive storytelling with spectacular choreography and a moving portrait of wartime London. If you’re after a Cinderella with a darker, more dramatic edge, this is the one to choose.

Dick Whittington and His Cat

Fancy a Christmas panto with a choice of audience? Dick Whittington comes to the King’s Head Theatre this festive season with separate versions for families and adults only, making it easy to find the right kind of panto chaos for your group. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or looking for a more grown-up festive night out, follow Dick, his trusty cat and their cast of colourful characters on a hilarious adventure packed with all the ingredients of a great Christmas panto.

The Choir of Man

Looking for something a little different this Christmas? Head to the pub. The Choir of Man returns to London, bringing nine performers, live music, comedy, storytelling and plenty of beer to the stage. Set inside a working pub, this Olivier Award-nominated show is all about friendship, community and having a bloody good time. It’s not a Christmas show in the traditional sense, but with a pint in hand, music filling the room and a brilliant atmosphere, it makes for a wonderfully warm and sociable festive night out.

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