BroadwayWorld's Top Christmas Theatre Picks For Bristol and Bath

It's that time of year (oh no it's not etc.) where we preview the Christmas theatre offerings across Bristol and Bath. We've got pantos, fairy tales and classic stories a-plenty, so grab a mince pie while you ponder what to see this festive period.

For big-budget pantomime:

The Bristol Hippodrome leads the way with its usual star-studded panto. This time it's Aladdin (9 December-7 January, 2018) with Joe Pasquale as Wishee Washee with support from Marti Pellow and Hayley Tamaddon. Expect big production values from this one with plenty to appeal to the whole family.

Over in Bath, it's Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (7 December-7 January, 2018) in the main house of the Theatre Royal Bath with Devon-Elise Johnson in the title role. Most recently seen in the West End in a stunning turn as Ann in Half A Sixpence, she will surely be a highlight of this classic panto.

For those who don't like panto:

Yes, there are some people out there for whom shouting "He's behind you!" is as much fun as a Christmas hangover. Fear not, those people are well catered for...

At the Bristol Old Vic there's a real treat as Emma Rice's The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales (30 November-14 January, 2017) comes to Bristol. It's bound to be packed with the kind of ingenious storytelling Rice is known for, with music, puppetry and humour all in perfect harmony. The Bristol Old Vic continuing their example that Christmas programming doesn't have to be at odds with the rest of the season.

Across the river at Tobacco Factory Theatres there's Beauty and the Beast (30 November-14 January, 2018) - a retelling of the classic fairy tale that's planning to surprise and delight us as well as reminding us that beauty - and beastliness - are only skin-deep.

Best for little 'uns:

At the Tobacco Factory Theatres there's a return for Sally Cookson's The Ugly Duckling (10 December-14 January, 2018). This show, aimed at ages 2+, was first seen in 2007, but it's a pleasure to have it back. Inventive storytelling with a warm heart - it's going to be a treat for families with young children.

For something completely different, head over to Bath and The Egg who present Aurora (15 December-7 January, 2018), billed as a multi-sensory experience for under-4s which journeys into the Northern Lights.

Presented by the Bristol Old Vic but taking place in The Lantern is Snow Globe (1 December-7 January, 2018), with a signature blend of original music, comedy and theatrical chaos perfect for those aged three to seven and their families.

For tickets and more information:

http://www.bristololdvic.org.uk/shows.html

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

https://www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/whats-on/

http://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/