With the approaching festivities, we are also being treated to some more spectacular theatrical performances…there seems to be an abundance of shows to choose from this year, which will make this Christmas time that little bit extra special !

With ballet, puppet shows, theatre and of course the Panto, it looks like there is definitely something for everybody this year ! :

• The Arabian Nights – Following huge successes with Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia in previous years, the Lyceum is bringing us a storytelling feast with the familiar faces of Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba – along with mysterious genies, magic carpets, talking birds and a whole host of heroes and villains. Rich with suspense, enchantment, romance, and hilarity, the ancient tales of The Arabian Nights are irresistible for all ages, and a great opportunity to bring families together, transporting them to the glittering heat of a faraway magical and musical world, this Christmas.           Royal Lyceum Theatre  November 25th – January 6th  (ages 5+)

• Shark in the Park – For those of you who missed this at last year’s fringe festival, this is well worth seeing. A bright, colourful and musical production which is perfectly pitched for younger audiences and those who are familiar with a phrase or two from the extremely popular books. From Nonsense Room Productions (Hairy Maclary and Friends), this is another foot tapping, musical delight of a show.    Festival Square Spiegeltent    December 1st – January 6th  Recommended for ages 2-7 (under 2s dont require a ticket provided they sit on someone’s lap !)

• The Nutcracker – Scottish Ballet – Christmas 2017 sees the return of Scottish Ballet’s much-loved production of The Nutcracker created by Scottish Ballet’s founder, Peter Darrell. Travel on an enchanting journey with young Clara, who falls asleep after a Christmas party and dreams of helping the Nutcracker Prince defeat an army of mice. Join her as she visits the glittering Land of Snow, where delicate snowflakes come to life and be dazzled by the Kingdom of Sweets, the enchanted realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Scottish Ballet’s dancers create magic in this most famous festive tale, with luxurious Victorian costumes and colourful sets. The world famous Tchaikovsky score is performed by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.   Festival Theatre  December 9th – December 30th   Recommended for ages 4+

• La Clique Noel – I’m personally super excited for the return of La Clique !! I remember lots of late nights in the Spiegeltent watching the absolute talents and madness of the creativity of La Clique and what cabaret acts they could put together – it never failed to astound ! This special seasonal show is not for those with younger children – but I predict will go down well for those with older children keen to see something a little out of the ordinary !    Festival Square Spiegeltent 17th November – 6th January

And this year it appears we are being treated to not one, but two very different Cinderella’s:

• Cinderella –  Every day is a bad hair day for Cinderella…..The classic fairytale is beautifully re-imagined by Shona Reppe and performed by acclaimed puppeteer Rick Conte, in this highly visual award-winning production featuring secret hatches, hidden drawers and a handbag full of magic!  Following the galloping success of Black Beauty, Shona Reppe returns to the Traverse this Christmas with an enchanting show that will dazzle young people and grown-ups alike.   Traverse Theatre  December 8th – December 24th  Recommended for ages 6+

• Cinderella – Cinders is also this year’s much loved Pantomime at the Kings Theatre! Expect plenty of singing, dancing and audience participation !!  Kings Theatre 2nd December – 21st January