With Christmas fast approaching, now is the perfect time to snap up tickets to a great family-friendly show.
For many families, going to the theatre is a traditional part of their festive celebrations. And if your little one hasn’t been to a proper before, Christmas is the perfect time to start.
Our Noodle performing arts and ballet students are busy putting the finishing touches to their own Christmas performances for family and friends. And there are plenty of opportunities to see some great singing, acting and dancing in productions all over Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
- Peter Pan, The Lyceum, Sheffield – December 7 to January 6
The Lyceum’s annual pantomime attracts more than 46,000 theatregoers of all ages and last year’s production of Mother Goose won Pantomime of the Year at the Great British Pantomime Awards. This Christmas Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell will be taking to the stage with stars including Shaun Williamson (Barry from Eastenders), Coronation Street’sWendi Peters and Gemma Hunt from the CBeebies show Swashbuckle. And our very own Noodler Lewis Spowage will be joining the cast as one of the Lost Boys! Book tickets here
- The Singing Mermaid, The Studio Theatre, Sheffield – December 6 to December 30
Younger children who love Julia Donaldson’s picture books can see one of her stories brought to life with a production of The Singing Mermaid. The 55-minute show is aimed at children aged between three and eight. It tells the tale of a singing mermaid who has been tricked into leaving the sea and joining a travelling circus. Held in the 400-capacity Studio Theatre, in the same building as the Crucible, this is a good option if your little one hasn’t been to the theatre before or would find it tricky to sit for long periods.
- Dick Whittington, Civic Theatre, Rotherham, November 30 to January 6
Produced by Imagine Theatre, Rotherham’s pantomime is ideal for those wanting to start their celebrations early as the first show takes place on Friday, November 30. The popular rags-to-riches story of Dick Whittington’s trip to London to seek his fortune with his faithful feline friend will be given a panto-style makeover. The show’s stars include David Lonsdale, best known for his role in nostalgic police drama Heartbeat. Book onlineor call 01709 823621.
- Jack Frost, The Assembly Room at The Civic, Barnsley, December 14 to December 24
Those looking for something a bit different to pantomime may want to check out the wintry musical Jack Frost. The audience will watch Holly, a trumpet-playing little girl with a seasonal name, make friends (and mischief) with Jack Frost as they work together to make sure no one is left outside this Christmas. Aimed at primary school-aged children and their families, the show has been specially commissioned by The Civic in Barnsley and features a live band. Book tickets here.
- Cinderella, Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, December 1 to January 6
X Factor’sRhydian Roberts will be taking to the stage as Prince Charming in Chesterfield’s production of Cinderella this year. The title role will go to Naomi Wilkinson, a former Milkshakepresenter. Complete with 3D effects and the usual slapstick humour, this traditional pantomime is likely to be a hit with families. Book tickets here