A festive theatrical outing is a longstanding tradition for many people across the UK. But if you can’t get to the theatre in person this year, fear not – a host of great productions are available for streaming in your own home. Whether it’s a play, pantomime, or puppet show you’re after, we’ve got you covered.
A Christmas Carol, Old Vic (12–24 December)
The iconic Dickens story is being adapted by the Old Vic as part of its In Camera season by writer Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and the venue’s artistic director Matthew Warchus. Starring Andrew Lincoln as Scrooge and staged by an 80-strong creative team, it’s a blockbuster streaming option this Christmas.
Dick Whittington, National Theatre (23–27 December)
The National Theatre (NT)’s first pantomime will be streamed via the venue’s YouTube channel, marking a continuation of its popular NT at Home series that reached millions of viewers during the first UK lockdown. There will also be an interactive Panto Pack ,hosted on the NT website, filled with games and crafts for children, available to download for free.
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The Magic of Christmas, Pitlochry Festival Theatre (9–23 December)
The Scottish venue is offering a filmed version of its outdoor promenade Christmas show, about two naughty elves who lose the North Star. Promising spectacular locations and a sackful of festive fun, the producers say it’s suitable for everyone “from babes in arms to the forever young-at-heart.”
Wow! Said the Owl, Little Angel (until 31 December)
Islington’s popular puppet theatre is offering a Zoom version of its acclaimed adaptation of the much-loved children’s book. Aimed at very young children (ages 2–5), the experience includes a recorded performance as well as a range of interactive activities. The Little Angel is also offering streamed versions of several other stories via its YouTube channel.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Belgrade Theatre Coventry (until 31 December)
For a traditional panto experience, look no further than Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, which is offering an online version of its annual extravaganza. Veteran dame Iain Lauchlan, who has starred in 25 pantos at the Belgrade, will be donning his frock once more and offering frolics aplenty.
5 Top Tips UK Theatre Directors Want Actors to Know Festive Tales, Royal Shakespeare Company (19 December)
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is serving up a seasonal smorgasbord with a live-streamed evening of carols, songs, and readings. There will also be extracts from some of its past productions. According to artistic director Gregory Doran: “As the global pandemic continues to prevent us being with one another in ways we could never have imagined, we need stories now, more than ever before.”
Christmas at the (Snow) Globe, Globe Theatre (21 December–5 January)
In lieu of a live performance this year, Shakespeare’s Globe is premiering a filmed version of last year’s Christmas show, written by and starring Sandi Toksvig. So get your Christmas jumper on, pour some mulled wine and get ready for a hearty seasonal singalong.
You Can Bet It’s Christmas, Slung Low (23 December)
Filmed live and featuring a large community cast, this festive edition of Slung Low’s popular interactive gameshow promises a nativity story like you’ve never seen before. The company, which has been operating a foodbank for its local community this year, will be streaming the performance live on its Facebook page and YouTube channel from 6.30pm.
Looking a Lot Like Christmas, Donmar Warehouse (16 December)
Filmed at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, also known as The Actors’ Church, this hour-long concert of music, sketches and seasonal poetry will be streamed for free on YouTube. Featuring Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Minnie Driver, Giles Terera, Rosalie Craig, and Sharon Rose, it’s an all-star affair.
Carols and Handel’s Messiah, Royal Albert Hall (20–31 December)
The capacity of the Albert Hall’s celebrated season of Christmas concerts has had to be curtailed this year. So, for the first time, the iconic London venue is offering streamed versions of its Carols concert and Handel’s Messiah, which has been performed there a whopping 524 times since 1872. Hallelujah indeed.
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