We lift the curtain on the festive season’s theatre productions across the region.
November 24th
THE NUTCRACKER
The Classical Ballet and Opera House presents The Nutcracker, with live orchestra, at The Anvil in Basingstoke. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together in this dazzling production. Full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, it is a truly captivating piece, and a wonderful introduction to ballet, whilst retaining its appeal for anyone who is familiar with it.
The Anvil, Basingstoke
anvilarts.org.uk
November 25th - January 1st
A NEVERLAND CHRISTMAS
Step into the home of the Darling family at Hinton Amnper this Christmas, where light, sound and movement bring scenes inspired by JM Barrie’s much-loved story of Peter Pan to life. Find the ticking crocodile, the Lost Boys’ camp and Tinker Bell’s mystical hideaway. Watch out for Captain Hook and his band of pirates, and encounter the source of all magic, the fairies. Outside, you’ll discover the Wendy House, the Mermaids’ Lagoon and Nana’s dog house, where visiting pooches can pose for pics. And in the courtyard, Tink’s Tuckshop, packed with traditional treats. Presented in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Hinton Ampner, near Alresford
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner
November 30th - January 1st
CINDERELLA
This year's panto at the Theatre Royal, Winchester is a magical retelling of the greatest fairytale of them all. From the same team behind the record-breaking production of The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella promises to be our greatest Christmas production ever! With original songs, loads of corny gags, audience participation and some surprising twists to the tale, the whole family is bound to have a ball!
Theatre Royal, Winchester
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
December 8th - 31st
ALADDIN
Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman pants! – can the Genie grant their wishes? Don’t miss this fabulous festive family treat at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, that promises to be a stunning pantomime guaranteed to make all your wishes come true!
BSL signed performance 3pm, December 17, relaxed performance 11am, December 31.
New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
newtheatreroyal.com
December 8th - 31st
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling adventure full of fun, laughter… and crocodiles at The Anvil Basingstoke. After defeating the evil Captain Hook and his crew of prancing pirates, life has been pretty perfect for Peter Pan. But when a stranger arrives in Neverland, there are rumours that a certain someone survived and is seeking revenge! People are saying… that Hook is back! So watch out, he might be behind you!
The Anvil, Basingstoke
anvilarts.org.uk
December 9th - 31st
SNOW WHITE
Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is staging the fairest pantomime of them all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The 2023 pantomime will star Britain’s Got Talent winners and street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo and Diversity, as well as pantomime royalty, the one-and-only Christopher Biggins. For three weeks only, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will bring all the laughter, spectacle, special effects and glittering festive magic audiences have come to expect each year from the Mayflower Theatre’s spectacular Christmas panto.
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
mayflower.org.uk
December 11th
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Live on stage and in person, television favourites Colin Baker (Doctor Who, The Brothers) and Peter Purves (Blue Peter, The Office) lead the cast in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens, Christmas classic at the Theatre Royal, Winchester. Presented by the Crime And Comedy Theatre Company as a radio-play-live-on-stage, the setting is a radio studio, the actors ready as if for a radio broadcast, and the sound effects created live, all combining to transport the audience to Victorian London, for this 180th anniversary production of Dickens' timeless tale of charity, forgiveness and redemption at Christmas.
Theatre Royal, Winchester
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
