Top 10 Christmas shows 2011

The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet

Birmingham Hippodrome and The O2, London
Be transported into a magical world of toy soldiers, snow fairies and giant rats. We can’t think of anything more festive than The Nutcracker, a classic ballet that sees a young girl’s dreams come true. Catch a world-famous production by Sir Peter Wright complemented with dreamy costumes and a snowglobe-esque set by John Macfarlane, the designer of the Company's Cinderella.
When: 25 November - 11 December 2011 (Birmingham);  27 - 30 December 2011 (London)

Peter Pan Pantomime

The Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol
Peter Pan is this year’s must-see swashbuckling pantomime for children, big kids and Baywatch fans alike. Following in the footsteps of Pamela Anderson, lifeguard-cum-comedy rock star David Hasselhoff will play the part of villainous Captain Hook. Hiss at the Hoff, yell “it’s behind you!” until your throat is sore and cheer on glittering Tinkerbell and the little boy who never grew up in the enchanting world of Neverland.
When: 10 December 2011 - 8 January 2012

Slava’s Snowshow

Southbank, London
The award-winning Slava's Snowshow has wowed audiences in over 80 cities around the world and now the snow-dusted wonderland has landed in London again after 15 years. Bizarre and rather surreal, this visual spectacular sees primary-coloured Russian clowns in whimsical disjointed scenarios that include giant spider webs, huge plastic bubbles and even a blizzard that engulfs the audience.
When: 17 December 2011 - 8 January 2012

White Christmas The Musical 

Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Sing along to some of the greatest songs ever composed at a festive musical filled with an ensemble of over 30, a 17-piece orchestra and plenty of tap dancing. Along with the unforgettable Christmas hit White Christmas, you’ll hear many of Irving Berlin’s other magical songs such as Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean, Happy Holiday and Let’s Face the Music and Dance. So go on, what are you waiting for?
22 December 2011 - 7 January 2012

The Heart of Robin Hood

RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon
You can’t go wrong with a classic tale of good versus bad at Christmas. See the age-old myth of Robin Hood reimagined where Marion is the folk hero who boldly protects the poor and who must convince a rebellious Robin that he must listen to his heart if they are to save the country.
When: 22 December 2011 - 7 January 2012

The Nutcracker Prince 

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
A spin-off from the famous Nutcracker Ballet, this sweet little production will have children and confectionary-lovers bouncing off their seats. Cheer on the Nutcracker Prince as he battles the King of The Rodents and his army who are threatening to eat every sugary treat in the land. But wait, there’s a terrible twist, the prince is trapped inside a Nutcracker and needs help. Can you find the magic nut that will set him free so he can save all those bonbons and jellybeans?
When: 25 November - 16 December 2011

Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra 

BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth
Join Jools and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra for a festive knees-up. Folk-rocker Shane MacGowan will join King of boogie-woogie on stage so we’re pretty sure you’ll be singing and dancing along to an extended version of Fairytale of New York. Expect plenty of the spectacular musical performances that a Jools Holland tour is renowned for, with a seasonal twist.
When: 18 December 2011

Only Men Allowed 

Sage, NewcastleGateshead
Winner of the BBC’s Last Choir Standing, Only Men Aloud take to Newcastle this December adding their own unique twist to a mixture of Christmas hits, opera, rock and even music from the 17th century.
When: 6 December 2011

Carols by Candlelight 

Pump Rooms, Bath
The City of Bath Bach Choir will fill the majestic candlelit Pump Rooms with festive sounds for three nights this December. You’ll hear a mix of exciting new carols along with all the old favourites you can sing along to.
When: 14-16 December 2011

Beauty and the Beast Ballet 

Grand Theatre, Leeds
See a brand new ballet production of Beauty and the Beast, an age-old tale of the beauty you can discover when you look beneath the surface. Premiering in Leeds Grand Theatre, the stage will be swarmed with colour as Belle, in an haute couture-style gold dress and the Beast, in a futuristic green ensemble dance to the likes of Bizet, Debussy, Poulenc and Fauré played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
When: 17-31 December 2011