Christmas shows in London 2018: The best festive theatre to see in London

If ever there’s a time for storytelling, it’s at Christmas.

From the familiar favourites of old to never heard before tales, there’s enough to warm the cockles of even the grumpiest Scrooge, so put your Bah Humbugs away.

We’ve rounded up some of London’s best. Not a panto in sight, but plenty of festive entertainment for all ages.

A Christmas Carol

The first of two tellings of Dickens’s tale stars Stephen Tompkinson as Ebenezer Scrooge. From Jack Thorne, the playwright behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this adaptation returns to the Old Vic after delighting audiences last year, bringing all of the same music and merriment.

November 24-January 19, Old Vic; oldvictheatre.com

A Christmas Carol with Simon Callow

Production number two takes a pared back approach, returning to Dickens’s own performance adaptation. Simon Callow, who Doctor Who fans will have seen playing the wordsmith before, is no stranger to the tale following sell out performances in 2011.

December 8-January 12, Arts Theatre; artstheatrewestend.co.uk

Nativity! The Musical

Danny Dyer in a Christmas musical? Yes please! Danny Dyer AND Dani Dyer in the same musicals? Even more yes. The family film smash Nativity! comes to the Eventim Apollo as a show in December, also starring Jo Brand and Simon Lipkin. It’s definitely one for the kids but parents will love it too. Just goes to show that Danny Dyer really is a jack of all trades.

December 19-31, Eventim Apollo; nativitythemusical.com

The Night Before Christmas

Known for his unconventional theatre methods, Anthony Neilson turns his writing hand to Christmas. His play follows a father who has promised his son the best Power Rangers figures money can buy, but hasn’t delivered. But he’s got a small and very festive secret that might help save the day, and the world.

November 28-December 29, Southwark Playhouse; southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

The Box of Delights

Tonight Matthew, I’m going to be...at Wilton’s Music Hall. Stars in Their Eyes presenter Matthew Kelly returns to their stage adaptation of classic fantasy novel The Box of Delights. When Kay is on the train home for Christmas, he’s charged with protecting a magician’s time travel machine and finds himself embarking on a festive adventure he couldn’t have expected.

November 30-January 5, Wilton’s Music Hall; wiltons.org.uk

Horrible Christmas

No moment in the past is safe from the Horrible Histories treatment. Dickens, Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell, St Nick and Rudolph join forces to save Christmas on this adventure through time, from Medievals to Tudors to Victorians.

December 13-30, Alexandra Palace; alexandrapalace.com