I love Christmas. One of my fondest childhood memories is going to the pantomime each year with my cousins. It was always my granny’s treat and it was so exciting, putting on my best dress and heading out to the theatre. The festive season is just around the corner now so if your thoughts are turning to booking a Christmas show, here’s a run-down of what’s going on in the city this year.
27 Nov – 7 December Red Riding Hood. The annual CUADC/Footlights panto at the ADC Theatre http://www.adctheatre.com
What they say: “Join Red and her friends on an epic adventure of self discovery, brought to life by Cambridge’s finest comedic and musical talent.”
What we say: This panto is always very funny indeed with a talented cast and orchestra who give it their all every year. Book quickly as tickets are already getting scarce.
28th Nov – 11 Jan Cinderella. Cambridge Arts Theatre http://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
British Sign Language interpreted performance 1pm 1 December
Relaxed performance 11am 14 December
Audio described performance 1pm 11 Jan
What they say: “This timeless tale is packed with sing-along songs, sensational costumes and hilarious jokes.”
What we say: A classic, glittery panto starring ballet dancer Wayne Sleep and Liza Goddard. Perfect for all the family.
11 Dec – 5 Jan The Wind in the Willows. Cambridge Junction http://www.junction.co.uk
British Sign Language interpreted performance 2.30pm 22 December
Relaxed performance 11am 29 December
What they say: “An all singing, all dancing, anarchic extravaganza … perfect for anyone who loves, hates or feels ambivalent about Christmas.”
What we say: This is a family Christmas show from Figs in Wigs, a female led performance company who promise puns, bad jokes and pop culture references. We loved last year’s show from NIE, Snow White, and we’re looking forward to this.
17 – 19 December The Nutcracker. Ballet Central. ADC Theatre http://www.adctheatre.com
What they say: “Ballet Central will showcase their dazzling 45 minute version of the time-honoured Nutcracker, introducing children of all ages to a new version of the iconic Tchaikovsky score.”
What we say: A shortened version of The Nutcracker is a perfect way to introduce children to ballet. These final year students from the Central School of Ballet are on the cusp of their professional careers and dance their hearts out in a really magical performance. The costumes, the music …. we were captivated by this last year. Book quickly as there aren’t many tickets left.
29 Dec – 4 Jan A Tchaikovsky Trilogy of The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet. Cambridge Corn Exchange http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk
What they say: “This acclaimed company combines classical training and technique with outstanding soloists to entertain audiences in breath-taking style.”
What we say: We didn’t catch this in Cambridge last Christmas but we have seen St Petersburg Classic Ballet perform elsewhere and they are excellent. A full length ballet to enjoy without going all the way to London!
New in Cambridge 