If you’ve already got your festive panto tickets but fancy adding something else into the mix, check out our special roundup of alternative Christmas shows to see this winter. From circus acts and cheeky adult cabaret to remixed romances and murder mysteries, we’ve got something for everyone!
La Clique
Leicester Square Spiegelent – Until 4 January 2020
Warm up this winter with La Clique’s adrenaline-filled show featuring everything from a Russian hula hoop expert and muppets from Montreal to a Norwegian contortionist and everything in between. Accompanied by the exhilarating La Clique Palais Orkestra live house band and the stunning vocals of Kelly Wolfgramm, this weird and wonderful show promises a night of laughter, gasps and cabaret.
& Juliet
Shaftesbury Theatre – Until 30 May 2020
Christmas time is all about the romance and what better way to get into the mood than the most famous love story of all time… except with a twist! Picking up from where Romeo and Juliet ends, this unruly and pop-fuelled show is told through some of the biggest pop songs in history from Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake. This timely new remix of a young independent woman is sure to have you bopping in your seat.
Cinderella
Trafalgar Studios 1 – Until 4 January 2020
Cinderella is getting a makeover this Christmas in this fierce and fabulous retelling of the classic pantomime. Starring BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Star, Baga Chipz as the Wicked Stepmother, Britain’s Got Talent icon, Sheila Simmonds as the Fairy Godmother and an entire drag cast, this rags-to-riches remix will have you in tears of laughter with filthy puns and plenty of pop songs. Will you join us as the clock strikes midnight?
Curtains
Wyndham’s Theatre – Until 11 January 2020
Mix up the feel-good festive entertainment this winter with a comical murder mystery. When detective Frank Cioffi is called to investigate the murder of a cast member on opening night, the entire cast and crew are suspects. Delving into the mystery with a special ear for music, will Frank find the culprit and save the show? This hilarious Whodunnit will awaken your inner-Sherlock Holmes and is a great pick among alternative Christmas shows this winter.
Martha, Josie And The Chinese Elvis
Park Theatre – Until 4 January 2020
Josie is a dominatrix… and she is tired. Tired of winter. Tired of looking after her daughter and tired of working to make ends meet. When she decides she is too tired to celebrate turning forty, her favourite client insists on throwing her a party. Knowing she’s a fan of Elvis, he invites a special guest… but nobody is expecting the other surprise guest! Charlotte Jones’ quirky and kinky comedy will not only have you in fits of laughter, but will also warm your heart in this beautiful story about learning to accept who you are. Whatever you are dressed in.
Mary Poppins
Prince Edward Theatre – Until 7 June 2020
This multi-award winning favourite is a nice option for those looking for something that’s still festive but not quite Santa’s grotto. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the original Disney film, this enchanting show tells the story of family and friendship using stunning choreography, unforgettable songs and striking effects. Whether you’re hanging out with family or friends, this supercalifragilistic show is sure to sweep them away!
Circus 1903
Royal Festival Hall – Until 5 January 2020
Thrill-seekers will be pleased to know that Circus 1903 is back after its huge success last winter. With larger-than life elephants, jugglers, contortionists, high wire performers alongside the fabulous ringmaster David Williamson, this year’s show will be filled with plenty of thrills, laughter and fun!
Potted Panto
Southwark Playhouse – Until 11 January 2020
If you’re a big fan of pantos, you’ll definitely want to check out Potted Panto. This 80-minute bonanza features seven beloved pantos from Cinderella and Aladdin to Dick Whittington and Jack And The Beanstalk. Back for a fifth season and featuring a Fairy Godchicken, an unexpected Mayor of London and seven dwarves played by two people, this suitably silly show is sure to make your face ache with laughter.
Magic Goes Wrong
Vaudeville Theatre – Until 31 May 2020
The creators of The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery are back with a cheeky new production that is set to be disastrous. This season, the company play a gang of musicians presenting a charity event. As expected, there are accidents. And as the accidents spiral out of control, so does the fundraising project. Anything funny that can happen, probably will in the Magic Goes Wrong. So if you’re looking to dust off the Christmas cobwebs and catch some giggles, you’ll love this one.