Winchester comes alive at Christmas and Theatre Royal Winchester is no exception – with a programme of festive treats that will guarantee audiences of all ages can embrace the most wonderful time of the year, wholeheartedly.
The season begins early with a familiar face returning to the stage to host An Audience with Dame Lily Trott–Twankey on Sunday 10 November – exploring the life and times of a panto dame. With Julian Eardley on hand to help or hinder. Julian has played the theatre’s panto dame for 15 years (counting panto 2024, which this year is Mother Goose)!
Well-known for their traditional family pantomimes, this winter the theatre’s offering, Mother Goose (Saturday 30 Nov 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025) will see the title character’s fortunes change when she meets a magical goose who can lay her golden eggs!
The theatre’s panto is always packed with original songs, corny jokes and audience participation, and is suitable for the whole family – with relaxed, audio-described and BSL interpreted performances also available, plus a ‘watch at home’ livestream option (Sunday 22 and Sunday 29 December), giving everyone the chance to enjoy the pantomime in an environment that’s right for them.
Next, The Scummy Mummies, Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson, return to Winchester with their Christmas Show (Tuesday 10 – Wednesday 11 December) – featuring scummy carols and scummier Santa stories, yuletide sketches and festive stand-up.
A night for mums (and others) who deserve a break at this time of year, the show is strictly for adults, 18+.
For little ones, Santa’s Christmas Cracker (Monday 16 December) is a musical adventure that tells the story of a lost penguin who has never heard of Christmas – with festive favourites such as Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Reindeer and more for children (particularly ages 2 – 8 years) to join in with. Plus, they get to meet Father Christmas himself and receive a present from him!
Celebrate Voice at Christmas (Friday 20 December) is a variety performance packed with opera, show songs, cabaret, plus festive tunes and carols for all– performed by professional singers and musicians and local talent. The Celebrate Voice shows have sold out in Salisbury since 2013 and it is hoped the same occurs in Winchester with this year the first time in the city.
There is also a community performance and a fundraiser this festive season – Jingle Bell Swing (Monday 9 December) is a free event, a collection of Christmas classics performed in a swing style by final-year Musical Theatre students from the University of Winchester; while there will be a cinema screening of the classic, Bridget Jones’ Diary (Tuesday 17 December), in aid of local charity, Naomi House & Jacks place – with music from Otterbourne brass prior the film.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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