Already Perfect at the King’s Head Theatre is intimate, funny and deeply moving. Exploring faith, family and six years of conversion therapy, it balances emotional honesty with perfectly timed humour — including Bibles dropping from the sky to much laughter. With outstanding performances and glorious vocal harmony, this five-star musical stays with you long after the final note.

Resuming our long-lapsed Boxing Day theatre tradition, Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre proved the perfect return. From the ensemble warming up the audience with ballet moves pre-show, to a thoughtful, playful retelling of Noel Streatfeild’s story, this production balances warmth, invention and heart. Standout dancing, smart adaptations, and a finale that lands squarely in Croydon make this generous family theatre at its best. ★★★★★

There are a dozen ways to stage A Christmas Carol in December — lavish ensembles, swirling snow, celebrity Scrooges. One Christmas Carol goes the opposite way, and in the intimate upstairs room of the Bread & Roses Theatre, that choice feels like a declaration. Dickens is stripped back to story, language, and performance, with Gwithian Evans conjuring an entire Victorian world solo through voice, precision, and extraordinary control. It’s the one.

A cheeky, body-positive cabaret at Golden Goose Theatre, Boys in the Buff is all about confidence, humour, and audience fun. Expect dazzling songs, playful interaction, and even clothing-optional nights for a liberating twist. Running until 10 January 2026—book now for a night that’s bold, inclusive, and unforgettable

From the moment the glittering curtain rises, Hackney Empire’s Cinderella casts its spell. Clive Rowe’s all-singing, all-dancing panto boasts a huge, high-energy cast, joyous live band and show-stopping magic, from Jade Johnson’s Fairy Godmother to a gasp-inducing flying horse and carriage. With riotous Ugly Sisters, a winning Buttons and a warm-hearted Cinderella, it’s polished, funny and full of festive heart.

Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story at Charing Cross Theatre is a gloriously queer panto packed with bawdy laughs, dazzling tartan-punk costumes, and THAT yellow kilt moment. Matt Kennedy charms as Bertie, Keanu Adolphus Johnson transforms as the Beast, and Matthew Baldwin’s Dame steals the show in jaw-dropping couture. Naughty but just avoiding crude—book now at charingcrosstheatre.co.uk!

A riotous queer comedy packed with innuendo and musical mischief! Two young lovers escape wartime London to a boarding house for “bad butch boys,” launching a campy, filthy twist on Narnia. Expect Mr Topless, Arselan the lion, and a Beaver with an appetite—plus reimagined show tunes like “Accepting My Depravity.” High-energy performances, clever jokes, and a sweet love story make this two-hour romp unmissable.

Sparkling, silly and stuffed with festive mischief, Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall is back! Dan Clarkson returns with cheeky charm, joined by Gary Trainor for a fresh twist on classic pantos. Expect topical jokes, slapstick chaos, and even an AI 3D scene. A five-star treat for families—best for kids who know their Cinderellas from their Aladdins. Pure Christmas joy in London’s most magical venue!

Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto for Adults! at The Pleasance Theatre is a riotous, gender-bending twist on Oz, packed with laughs, audience participation, and a heartwarming message of inclusivity. Naughty, clever, and wildly entertaining, it’s easily the most fun I’ve had at the theatre all year. 5/5 stars.

A jolly festive cracker where you are the star. This fast-paced, tech-filled Christmas caper mixes party tricks, games, musical mayhem and audience antics to keep Krampus at bay. Tom Clarkson and Own Visser dazzle with Vic-and-Bob-meets-tech energy, delivering nonstop gags, clever twists and riotous surprises. A joyful, inventive festive treat.

Step into Victorian London at The Lost Estate’s Great Christmas Feast, an atmospheric blend of dining, live music and a one-man A Christmas Carol. David Alwyn gives an energetic, engaging performance, though the show could benefit from a second actor to deepen the emotion. Beautifully staged with a hearty Victorian-inspired menu, it’s a charming, festive experience that delivers plenty of seasonal magic.

he Grim at Southwark Playhouse mixes sharp comedy with uneven horror. The dynamic between Shaun and Robert brings plenty of laughs, while Harry Carter’s explosive arrival as Jackie Gallagher steals the show. The 1960s setting feels unnecessary, and the supernatural elements don’t fully land, but there’s real potential for this to grow into something special.

Olly Hawes’s Old Fat F**k Up is a raw, darkly funny dive into masculinity, fatherhood, and failure. Blending confession, theatre, and stand-up, Hawes strips life bare on a stark stage, shifting from humor to heartbreak with ease. At its best, it’s unflinching and deeply human—an honest portrait of middle-aged vulnerability that lingers long after the lights fade.

dward J Moore’s The Seahorse remains strikingly relevant, exploring a tempestuous relationship in a claustrophobic seafront bar. Seaman Harry Bales seeks permanence with Gertrude Blum, a guarded bar owner, igniting a tense battle of control. Through raw dialogue and physical intensity, the play reveals vulnerability amid passion and conflict, leaving audiences captivated by its emotional currents. On at the Golden Gosse Theatre noe.

Our round up of all the nice and naughty shows for Christmas, some old favourites, some pantos - traditional and adult, and other fun experiences. Do come and join us and get into the festive spirit.

In need of Halloween chills - look no further than this production of The Monkey's Paw now on at the Hope Theatre in Islington

Really good Exposure Written and performed by Megan Prescott Important and Courageous, this needs everyone's attention now. Exceptional!

To MARS is our view the perfect introduction to theatre for very young people. our 8 and 10 year old reviewers loved the show. Highly recommended.

Now in it's 15th year the company behind Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® give us their rendition of Hamlet. Our reviewer was not a fan. Something is rotten in the state of Leicester Square Theatre.

Fun, fast-paced, and full of fascinating facts, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain makes learning history an absolute blast. With energetic performances, cheeky humour, and plenty of audience laughs, it’s a four-star family treat