Last month we brought you a roundup of the biggest and best Christmas events kicking off early in November in Wales and beyond. Now, moving into December and January, we’re finishing up with even more theatre, pantos, concerts, festivals and more taking place in the Yuletide build-up and aftermath. Billy Edwards takes the sleigh reins…
PLAYS & CABARET
A Child’s Christmas In Wales
Grand Theatre, Swansea, Mon 11-Tue 19 Dec; Hay Castle, Thurs 14 Dec
Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas In Wales is an annual delight of national pride. Originally created in 1952, Lighthouse Theatre’s new version features narration by Thomas superfan and actor Adrian Metcalfe. With its scope of Swansea childhood memories, it hopes to be a heartwarming and definitively local toast to the winter solstice.
Tickets: £10. Info: Swansea / Hay
Honk!
Rhiwbina Memorial Hall, Cardiff, Fri 15-Sun 17 Dec
Relocated from St David’s Hall, this amateur adaption of the fable of the The Ugly Duckling is a heartening and comedic celebration of individuality. Featuring specially-produced music by George Stiles and a book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, it tells the story of Ugly, who unfortunately stands out from his duckling siblings. Despite his mother’s protective efforts, the farm animals make his difference in appearance all too clear. Struggling with his self-esteem, Ugly embarks on a self-discovery journey which inadvertently comes at odds with a hungry cat. Through encountering a diverse bunch of animal friends, he discovers the value in being unique and embracing one’s differences.
Tickets: from £12.50. Info: here
Ballet
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Fri 15-Sun 17 Dec; Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Thurs 21; Hippodrome, Bristol, Thurs 4-Sat 6 Jan
Varna International Ballet was set to perform at St David’s Hall – now cancelled – but you can catch them across the border at Bristol Hippodrome for The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Brecon Festival Ballet will also be performing The Nutcracker at Theatr Brycheiniog. Finally, Venue Cymru will host performances of Giselle and The Nutcracker.
Tickets: £13-£35. Info: Brecon / Llandudno / Bristol
Oh No! There’s A Shark In The Snow
Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Fri 15-Sat 23 Dec
A festive twist on this touring production based on the Nick Sharratt series of picture books, most notably Shark In The Park. It’s a family friendly musical about a boy called Timothy Pope who spots a mean-looking shark at the end of his trusty telescope. Expect songs, silliness and shark-based puns.
Tickets: from £11. Info: here
Welsh Of The West End
Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Sat 16 Dec
A musical theatre group including talent who’ve performed on Les Misérables, Phantom Of The Opera and Wicked. This show hopes to recreate the magic of online videos popular for their renditions of classics. They’ve performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Trafalgar Square and managed to reach the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent last year.
Tickets: £30. Info: here
Cabarela
Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Tue 19 Dec
A Welsh-language cabaret show promising festive fun and cheeky frivolity, and a show absolutely only for adults. In previous years they’ve tackled the creation story, but this year’s antics are still under wraps. Characters teased are Sorela, the three little pigs, Hywel Pitts (oddly enough as cauliflower cheese), and Divas A Diceds, of course, (brussels sprouts).
Tickets: from £10. Info: here
The Big Christmas Assembly
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 22 + Sat 23 Dec
James B Partridge, noted for touring show Primary School Assembly Bangers, brings a new Christmas edition to Cardiff. Set to be a nostalgic evening, his goal is encouraging his audience to rouse over singalong tunes from Christmases past, as well as some humorous ruminations on the holiday.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
PANTOS
Aladdin
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 7 Dec-Sun 14 Jan
Joined by a live orchestra, boasting 250 costumes and direct from London’s West End, this is an official Disney stage version, featuring the original songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice from the famed animated adaption in 1992. The story follows wisecracking everyman Aladdin, who discovers a magical lamp containing a larger-than-life genie. Granting him three wishes, Aladdin transforms into a prince to catch the eye of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. However, he must outsmart the evil Jafar to defend the kingdom and win her heart. Expect glitter, confetti, and elaborate effects. An autism-friendly relaxed performance will take place on Wed 10 Jan.
Tickets: from £20. Info: here
Snow White
The Stiwt, Wrexham, Fri 8-Sun 31 Dec
Classic pantomime featuring princess Snow White, who, sent into the woods by her jealous wicked stepmother, befriends all sorts of dwarfs and animals. A poisoned apple brings on a dreadful curse, but can true love triumphs in the shape of a prince? A relaxed performance will take place on Thurs 14 Dec.
Tickets: from £16.50. Info: here
Beauty And The Beast
Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, Fri 8-Sun 31 Dec; Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Fri 15-Sun 31 Dec
This panto follows a go-getting young woman called Beauty faced with a cursed Prince; he has transformed into a fearsome Beast. Through slapstick and musical numbers, our heroes will learn not to judge by appearances and the transformative power of true love. The Porthcawl pantomime also features relaxed and BSL performances.
Tickets: from £17/£22.50. Info: Porthcawl / Milford Haven
Cinderella
Grand Theatre, Swansea, Sat 9 Dec-Sun 7 Jan; Park & Dare, Treorchy, Sat 16-Sun 24 Dec; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Sat 6-Sat 27 Jan
You have your choice of three separate Cinderella performances this year. The story follows the journey of the kind-hearted young woman of the title who, with the help of her fairy godmother but at the behest of the ugly sisters, transforms into a dazzling princess. Can she capture a prince’s heart at the royal ball?
Tickets: from £16. Info: Swansea / Treorchy / Aberystwyth
Dick Whittington
Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven, Sat 16-Sun 31Dec
Isaiah Davies stars as the poor boy Dick, who travels to London seeking wealth, only to find adversary in the evil King Rat. With help from his trusty cat Tommy, can he defeat the Rat, become the city’s mayor, and win love? Also starring Laila Morse of EastEnders and I’m A Celebrity fame.
Tickets: from £18. Info: here
Mother Goose
Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, Fri 15 Dec-Wed 3 Jan; Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Sat 23 Dec-Sat 6 Jan
Two different productions of Mother Goose – interestingly, the Savoy is offering a few adult’s only shows. Their production follows the magical author for a collection of nursery rhymes and fairytales – characters like Humpty Dumpty and Jack and Jill are good bets – whereas Theatr Colwyn entices a rags-to-riches story and a coveted golden goose egg.
Tickets: from £16. Info: Monmouth / Colwyn Bay
The Little Mermaid
Tramshed, Cardiff, Thurs 28-Sat 30 Dec
The Little Mermaid tells the tale of a curious mermaid princess who dreams of life on land waking amongst humanity. A classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, she makes a deal with a devilish sea witch, but soon realises to win over a handsome prince is more than what she bargained for.
Tickets: from £15. Info: here
CLASSICAL, CAROLS & BRASS
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons At Christmas
Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, Sat 16 Dec
Experience the magic of Vivaldi’s timeless classic The Four Seasons in stunning candlelit ambience.
Tickets: £30. Info: here
Carols For Christmas
Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor, Sun 17 Dec
Celebrate with BBC National Chorus Of Wales director Adrian Partington and a massed north Wales choir.
Tickets: from £5. Info: here
ROCK & POP
My! My! Abba
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Sun 10 Dec
A cast of West End performers do the myriad pop hits of Abba as part of Cardiff Christmas Festival.
Tickets: £20.25. Info: here
Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Christmas Kitchen Disco
Utilita Arena Cardiff, Tue 12 Dec
Building on the sold-out success of her Kitchen Disco tour last year, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be treating fans to a special festive encore with the Christmas Kitchen Disco tour this winter. Think back a few years to 2020, and you’ll remember a Kitchen Disco was what the now Radio 2 star and her family occupied themselves with on Instagram Live during lockdown. The tour promises a blend of Sophie’s career hits such as Murder On The Dancefloor, Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) alongside yuletide classics, all infused with Sophie’s signature disco flair – a busy Utilita Arena will happily be a far cry from the Christmas back then.
Tickets: £33-£58. Info: here
Upbeat Christmas
Small World Theatre, Cardigan, Wed 15 Dec
Reggae/dancehall band Friendly Fire from Birmingham, joined by dub and old-style sound system DJ Miss Mitten.
Tickets: £12. Info: here
Christmas At Nashville Country Rock Show
Royal British Legion, Pyle, Bridgend, Sat 16 Dec
Seven-piece band Country Stormz with a cheerful mix of covers from yesteryear, such as the Eagles and Willie Nelson.
Tickets: £10. Info: here
Slade
Tramshed, Cardiff, Mon 18 Dec
Glam rock band featuring original member Dave Hill and celebrating 50 years of seasonal favourite Merry Xmas Everybody.
Tickets: £36.40. Info: here
EVENTS
Winter Wunder Yard
Tiger Yard, Cardiff Bay, until Sat 23 Dec
A transformed Tiger Yard complete with games of curling and food from Dirty Bird, Fire & Flank, and Terry’s Tacos.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
Cardiff Christmas Festival
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Fri 1-Sun 24 Dec
Range of events taking place at the Open Air Theatre Festival site in Sophia Gardens, including live music, cabaret, and comedy.
Tickets: from £1. Info: here
Viva Las Brangwyn Christmas
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Fri 8-Sat 16 Dec
Las Vegas comes to Brangwyn for a party featuring a casino, live music, and a three-course meal.
Tickets: £48. Info: here
Silver Mountain Experience
Llywernog, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Sat 9-Sat 23 Dec
Based on the historic Llywernog silver-lead ore mine just outside Aberystwyth, The Silver Mountain Experience has a range of educational and plain-fun family activities over the Christmas period. Visitors can be accompanied by some elves through their Workshop and Santa’s Grotto, before meeting the big man himself. Furthermore, you can go on a tour around the mine from Scrooge, which explains how miners would have celebrated Christmas on that very site a century and a half ago. Also available are biscuit-decorating sessions, a reindeer treasure trail, fossil digging, a comprehensive museum and a Gingerbread House.
Tickets: from £7.95. Info: here
Northern Belle Experience
Swansea Station, Sat 15 Dec
A classic luxury diesel train serving Christmas lunch and boarding at Swansea and Cardiff Central.
Tickets: from £395. Info: here
Moon Christmas Party
The Moon, Cardiff, Sat 16 Dec
Live music from local reggae/rock/rap band Codewalkers plus DJing from vinyl-only collective Vinyl Cruise.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim
Hi Tide Inn, Porthcawl, Mon 25 Dec
A Porthcawl tradition since 1965, each year it raises thousands for local charities. Free mug for those brave enough.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
ALONG THE BORDER: BRISTOL
Winterland
Prop Yard, Bristol, until Sat 23 Dec
Roller disco, arcade games, food and more at this large venue
Tickets: from £8. Info: here
Oliver Twist
Factory Theatre, Bristol, Fri 1 Dec-Sun 21 Jan
Theatre adaption of Charles Dickens novel by Olivier-winning Bristol playwright Adam Peck.
Tickets: from £16. Info: here
Christmas At Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Avon Valley, Bristol, Sat 2-Sun 24 Dec
Light trail, Santa show, ice skating, plus plenty of small animals to pet.
Tickets: from £25. Info: here
Hype’s Studio 54 Christmas Party
Studio 54, Bristol, Wed 6 Dec
Two-course dinner and dance evening in aid of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity.
Tickets: £45. Info: here
Festive After Hours
Wake The Tiger, Bristol, Wed 6-Fri 15 Dec
Adults-only evenings for the 30-room multi-sensory walk-through art experience.
Tickets: £22.50. Info: here
Christmas Star Party
The Downs, Bristol, Thurs 7 Dec
A night of expert stargazing instructed by the Bristol Astronomical Society.
Tickets: from £5. Info: here
Gaspard The Fox
St George’s, Bristol, Sun 17 Dec
Peter And The Wolf and more stories performed by BBC newsreader Zeb Soanes and live orchestra.
Tickets: from £8. Info: here
ALONG THE BORDER: CHESHIRE
Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure
Tatton Park Gardens, Knutsford, until Sat 23 Dec
Folk-inspired events such as a campfire, live music, fire-juggling, a light trail and more.
Tickets: from £12. Info: here
Viennese Christmas Spectacular – London Concertante
Chester Cathedral, Sat 2 Dec
An evening of Viennese music, with well-known pieces from Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Brahms.
Tickets: from £33. Info: here
Christmas – A Sparkly Light & Panto Trail
BeWILDerwood, Cheshire, Sat 2-Sat 23 Dec
A family friendly light trail, as well as a mini-pantomime.
Tickets: £15.50. Info: here
Little Red
Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port, Fri 8 Dec-Sat 13 Jan
Theatre Porto’s production of the classic fairytale – watch out for the charming Wolfie
Tickets: from £7. Info: here
Winter Watch And Saturnalia Parade
Town Hall, Chester, Thurs 14 Dec
Two parades hit the town centre: a supernatural Winter Watch and the Roman Saturnalia.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
ALONG THE BORDER: SHROPSHIRE
Victorian Christmas Weekends
Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sat 9-Sun 17 Dec
Historic town boasts a helter-skelter ride, Punch and Judy shows, and Santa’s grotto.
Tickets: from £15. Info: here
ALONG THE BORDER: GLOUCESTER
Medieval-Style Christmas Revels And Yuletide Market
The Folk Of Gloucester, Gloucester, Sat 9 + Sun 10 Dec
A weekend of folk-inspired live music, including turns by Madame Misfit and The Cogkneys.
Tickets: £20. Info: here
Ghost Stories For Christmas
Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, Thurs 14 Dec
Join the ghostly Merrimoon for a night of seasonal spooky stories.
Tickets: £12. Info: here
words BILLY EDWARDS
