Our top picks for Christmas across the South West and Wales

Christmas is coming and the family shows are growning! As the Christmas holidays approach we thought we’d share our tips on some great family shows. Over the next few days the Family and Children’s Theatre Blog will be posting our hot shows from different regions of the UK starting today with the South West and Wales. We’ve decided to concentrate on theatre and dance shows rather than on pantos.

We can’t possibly cover all the wonderful shows that are happening across the country but if you have seen a show and think it worthy of a mention please get in touch or post a comment.

Ali Baba
Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol : 9 December – 17 January
A brand new re-telling of the Arabian folk tale about the two very different brothers Ali Baba and Kasim Baba and how their life is completely changed when Ali discovers a secret. Directed by Sally Cookson with music by Benji Bowler (the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt).
http://tobaccofactorytheatre.com/

A Christmas Carol
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff : 4 December 4 – 9 January
It’s not the only production of Dicken’s festive favourite this year but this is thought to be one of the best. There’s a touch of extra humour in Gary Owen’s new version with some modern twists including references to the MPs’ expenses scandal, hedge funds and the war in Afghanistan.
http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
Phoenix Exeter : 9-28 December
Grab your wetsuit and join Captain Nemo and the Nautilus as Quirk Theatre present an original adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure story featuring singing, dqancing, pupperty and even film. This show is bound to make a splash!
http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/

3 Little Pigs
The Drum, Plymouth : 1-27 December
Mixing live action and some brilliant puppets this show is a real delight. Advertised as for 2 to 7 but a sure bet for all the family.
http://www.theatreroyal.com/

How Cold My Toes / Hansel and Gretel
Bristol Old Vic : 15 December – 16 January / 04 December – 23 January
Bristol Old Vic have two offerings for children this Christmas. How Cold My Toes for the over twos is a collaboration with local dance company Champloo. There’s also Kneehigh’s fantastic take on Hansel and Gretel which is a merry, witty and slightly scary re-telling of the fairytale with music, poetry and some amazing ‘gadgets and gizmos’.
http://www.bristololdvic.org.uk/

Arabian Nights
Courtyard Stratford-Upon-Avon : 5 December – 30 January
This year’s RSC Christmas production directed by Dominic Cooke. It’s Wedding Night at the palace of King Shahrayar and in the morning the new Queen Shahrazad is to be put to death like a thousand young brides before her. She has the one gift that can save her – the gift of storytelling. A show that is sure to bewitch the imagination.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/