Christmas is approaching thick and fast and the festive shows are now underway in theatres and performance venues across the country. It's so nice to be able to shout at actors on stage - oh yes you will! - and see the childrens' faces light up after two really weird Christmases thanks to the pandemic.
We're trying to get around to as many Christmas shows as we can so we can give you a head's up what to expect but without spoiling the whole show, of course.
So, with that in mind, we'll be adding in shows and productions here as the festive season goes along, so keep checking back.
And if you're after more Christmas themed content, take a look at the Christmas and new year swims which are also back this year. If you're running out of Elf on the Shelf ideas we've got some tips, here. Going to Christmas in Bute Park? Get a sneak peek of what it's like, here.
Read more: Christmas in Wales 2022: Free and cheap things to do that won't cost a bomb
Tales of the Brothers Grimm at Sherman Theatre - 3.5/5
‘What is my story?’ When I arrived at the Sherman Theatre to watch Tales of the Brothers Grimm, I braced myself for ridiculousness, garish costumes and cheesy gags - all the hallmarks of an uproarious Christmas panto. And, while my expectations were met, I didn’t anticipate that I would also leave the show asking myself such a profound question.
Playwright Hannah McPake’s clever production is a wonderfully meta exercise in storytelling. The tale begins on Christmas Eve in 1913 in Grangetown, Cardiff, where we meet a girl called Stevie (Alice Eklund filling in for Lily Beau).
She’s unhappy existing in the shadow of her mum (played by McPake herself), who lives dangerously and daringly as a Suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote. Their nomadic lifestyle as a result of her activism has put a strain on their relationship and has left Stevie feeling resentful: her mum may have found her purpose, but Stevie hasn’t yet found her own story.
So when her bookbinder uncles (James Ifan as Uncle Jack and Kyle Lima as Uncle Will) give her a copy of the world-famous Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Stevie wonders whether she might find her destiny within its pages. And so she starts reading it.
Upon declaring the magical words ‘Once upon a time’, a storm erupts and Stevie is transported into the ‘Grimmdom’ - the book-world where the Brothers Grimm and all their characters reside. But the Grimmdom is under threat from The Snow Queen (McPake again), who wants to smash its constraints and set all the characters free.
It’s up to Stevie and the fairytale heroines she meets to journey through the book pages to put a stop to the evil queen. The central message of McPake’s production reverberates from start to finish: you’re in control of your own story and nobody else can write it for you - not even the revered Brothers Grimm, who are praised for creating the “greatest stories ever written” at the beginning of the play.
Indeed, in reimagining the original fairytales, McPake herself has subverted and put her own stamp on them. Cinderella (Katie Elin-Salt), Sleeping Beauty (Bethzienna Williams) and Rapunzel (Sarah Workman) all abandon their predetermined patriarchal plotlines, where they are rescued from their fates - poverty, endless sleep and isolation - by a dashing Prince Charming (who, we later find out, has too deviated from his own story). Meanwhile, the Snow Queen has broken free from the bounds of Hans Christian Andersen’s world to destroy the Grimmdom.
Even the nameless Narrator (Keiron Self) and the Brothers Grimm themselves (played by James Ifan and Kyle Lima again) discover alternative destinies. Further storytelling boundaries are broken when almost all the actors switch seamlessly between multiple characters (for example, James Ifan and Kyle Lima play Uncle Jack / Jacob Grimm / Prince Charming and Uncle Will / Wilhelm Grimm / Wolf respectively), or when they switch between acting and playing instruments to make the show’s live music.
The intelligence of the production is carefully balanced with its sillier elements - a jazzy, rock ‘n’ roll Wolf, unexpectedly camp Brothers Grimm clad in sparkly lederhosen, and Stevie’s excessively fastidious uncles, to name a few. Some performances were stand-out (notably Self as the flamboyant Narrator, whose portrayal of the character was natural and wholly believable) but some others felt a little forced at times - I wasn’t as convinced by Williams as Sleeping Beauty compared to Elin-Salt and Workman, for example. Though there were a few good songs, I thought the music lacked the story’s charming imagination and most tunes weren't very memorable.
Tales of the Brothers Grimm runs at the Sherman Theatre until December 31 - click here to get tickets.
Reem Ahmed
Elf at Cardiff International Arena - 4/5
I’m not entirely sure how it’s passed me by but I’ve not seen the film Elf. I’m aware of the gist and I’ve seen enough gifs and memes of Will Ferrell’s oversized eponymous hero that I could identify it at 50 paces – hell, I actually own the DVD (remember those?) – but I’ve never committed the time to sitting down and taking it in. I don’t tend to regret much but after the last couple of hours of live-action entertainment I feel like I’ve probably missed out as if the film is half as funny as this pantomime-cum-musical-cum-circus show was then it’s evidently well worth a watch.
The Hollywood blockbuster has been adapted first for the stage and now for arenas and it’s two hours of absolutely joyous chaos. The leaflet promises ‘the world’s biggest pantomime’ and they somehow achieve the chummy, audience-centric feel of panto with a rollicking ride of a show that hurtles from the North Pole to New York with the help of a huge animated backdrop which lends a very cinematic air to the proceedings. The production makes fantastic use of the cavernous space inside Cardiff International Arena with cast members frequently in among the audience who are able to get in on the act wherever they’re sat (have your eyes peeled, for instance, for the back-flipping Santas on trampolines at the rear of the auditorium). It’s a roaring spectacle that marries circus-style aerial work and flamboyant roller-blading trickery with West End-style show numbers and physical humour - plus the childish glee of a mass audience snowball fight. There are two more shows left in Cardiff and even if you think you’re done with the whole festive vibe for another year you’d do a lot worse than get down to this - particularly with kids (my young accomplice, who was utterly delighted with Kelly Banlaki’s excellent Jovie and no less enthused to have had a high-five from Buddy, played pristinely by Steven Serlin, showed classic restraint by giving it “100 out of 10” as we left). And if not they’re already planning to be back in Wales early next December with Peter Pan at the same venue - yes please.
For more information and tickets about Elf, which is on at the CIA on December 28 at 11am and 3pm, click here. For details on the nationwide Peter Pan tour next winter go here.
Ciaran Jones
Les Miserables at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff - 5/5
There might not be anything Christmassy about a show set during the French Revolution that features death and destruction but Les Miserables is one of the most successful - and popular - musicals of all time so why wouldn't the Wales Millennium Centre choose to stage it during the festive period.
In fact, the centre is renowned for selecting big West End and Broadway hits for its main auditorium each December rather than putting on a panto or anything that screams Christmas - Shrek and The Phantom of the Opera are previous examples - and judging by the packed seats it's the right decision.
Running for almost 40 years, Cameron Mackintosh's legendary musical needs no introduction but, in a nutshell, it's the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant released in 1815 after serving 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child. Valjean is keen to start a new life after breaking his parole but police inspector Javert refuses to let him escape justice. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists attempt to overthrow the government at a street barricade in Paris.
There have been many revivals of this musical over the decades and this is a fresh and vibrant version with some incredible sets and lighting that brings the story to life. Dean Chisnall - previously seen at the centre as Shrek - is a mesmerising Valjean and his tenor voice carries off all the big numbers including the soaring Who Am I? Nic Greenshields is perfectly cast as his nemesis Javert and he towers over the cast in size and stature.
Lauren Dew is a beautiful and fragile Fantine whilst Siobhan O'Driscoll brings plenty of feistiness to the standout role of Eponine and Will Callan is a strong and passionate Marius. You could argue that the roles of corrupt innkeeper Thenardier and his wife bring an element of panto to the show thanks to their lavish costumes, garish make-up and baddie demeanour and Welshman Ian Hughes (from Merthyr Tydfil) and Helen Walsh are an absolute delight and you really want to hiss and boo them especially during the epic Master of the House..
Expertly choreographed throughout, especially during the barricades number, this is a huge ensemble piece where the music is the star of the show and every member of the cast deserves a pat on the back, especially for the stand out numbers One Day More and Do You Hear The People Sing. A fantastic production and if you have tickets then that's your Christmas made.
Les Miserables is at the WMC until January 14. Click here for more details.
Karen Price
The Lion, The B*tch and The Wardrobe at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff - 3.5/5
If you are looking for a fun, cheeky, adult show and cabaret this adult twist on the classic tale of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Wales Millennium Centre is for you. Led by the incredible drag queen Polly Amorous, there are some amazing acts to help bring the story to life.
Polly stole the show with her warm, friendly and engaging performance leaving you feeling totally immersed in the show. She has mastered the art of simple but effective comedy, meaning you feel totally at ease and are laughing constantly throughout the show.
Other impressive acts include Eric McGill who wowed the crowed as he swung from heights on his trapeze and taking on daring tricks. The show also featured incredibly talented singers, including Polly and Asha Jane whose voice could reach notes many can only dream of.
There was also a lovely nod to Welsh culture - no spoilers but it was great to see Wales being celebrated on stage. There was one moment, featuring a interesting and slightly unnerving magic trick, that left some of feeling a bit queasy but others amazed.
With some very sexy and cheeky themes running throughout the show with drag, hugely impressive circus and aerobatics tricks, hilarious jokes and a Christmassy feel there was a lot to love about this show.
The Lion, The B*tch and The Wardrobe runs until Saturday, December 31 and you can book your tickets here.
Stephanie Colderick
Peter Pan on Ice at the ICC Wales, Newport - 3.5/5
With the Christmas show season in full swing it was time to try out the ICC's festive ice show, Peter Pan. With the show a little over an hour in run time, the audience is quickly transported to Neverland via a real ice rink, a video screen background and some lovely, and often hide-behind-your hands for this nervous viewer, ice-skating routines and stunts.
The story - for the few who may be unfamiliar with it - is set up by the narrator portraying JM Barrie before the story quickly moves from
Darling children's bedroom thanks to a magical and enrapturing entrance from Tinkerbell and some very effectively pretty multi-coloured, lit up fairy wings.
The routines are great, with some breathtaking stunts and moves which really are a testament to how hard the skaters must train to perfect them - Peter Pan spinning Wendy around on his head is one I managed to watch - and there was also some beautiful acrobatic ariel silk work and fire stunts, too.
Our, me and the seven-year-old with me, favourite characters were the story's famous arch enemies, the sassy (or salty) Captain Hook, who gave a good snarling at the audience, and the brain-twistingly buff crocodile - I guess it's hard to go full authentic croc when you are on ice skates. But their routines and rivalry gave us a laugh and got some audience interaction going.
A cute, funny and cool show.
Peter Pan on Ice runs from now until January 1 and tickets are available now from £18 per person, here.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the New Theatre, Cardiff - 4/5
I missed a lot, like everyone, during Covid. Family first and foremost; friends a close second. Live sport an obvious podium place.
Cultural experiences, and all that brings, were a gaping lacuna too – but when I considered that I mostly lamented the loss of live comedy, music, theatre. It wasn’t until I went back to panto, following my virally-enforced hiatus, that I realised just how much I’d missed this most particularly British phenomenon.
Unlike everything else mentioned above, I’ve no idea whatsoever how I’d begin to define panto to someone who’d somehow landed here, linguistically conversant, from another planet. When I tell you I’ve just seen H from Steps emerge from a giant mirror and then ride a massive motorcycle through the air in a glorious Edwardian theatre you might start to see my conundrum. In so many ways bizarre doesn’t even begin to cover it.
But bizarre is often a byword for ‘kooky’, ‘quirky’, or some other kind of acquired taste. The New Theatre’s Snow White is anything but – it’s two hours of pure knockabout chaos that left my cheek muscles feeling like they’d been through the facial equivalent of a marathon.
From the moment our aforementioned pop hero descends bedecked head to toe in silver and sporting a pair of aviators to the sound of Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror (geddit?) the audience is treated to a neatly-choreographed and sweetly-told story of the romance between the softly-voiced birthday princess Snow White (Denquar Chupak) and the elegant Prince Carwyn (Nay-Nay Gapomo) that is liberally sprinkled with gags for young and old alike (indeed, there’s a fairly high quotient of reasonably bawdy stuff tied in that will have the adults rocking as the kids chuckle away innocently at the purer moments).
Mike Doyle’s mucky Dame is responsible for a fair bit of that but the show is arguably stolen by the brilliant comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, who plays court jester Muddles, and his accomplice Arthur. His quick-witted and at points improvised turns were an absolute delight and he fully justified getting plenty of stage time with the production as a whole really making the best of the individual attributes of each performer – not to mention Ian ‘H’ Watkins gamely embracing his role as the butt of a very high proportion of the jokes in the script.
A high-paced musical medley that began the second half was another high point but the indisputable clincher was a four-handed 12 Days of Christmas rehash (featuring H, Doyle, Hewlett, and rugby star Gareth Thomas who played evil Queen Lucretia’s henchman ‘Alfie’ – yes, really) that felt at least partly ad-libbed and was a total and utter riot. Whether you’ve missed panto for a few years, somehow never been, or you’re an annual attendee then this is a polished, pitch-perfect, punchy performance that the whole family will adore.
* Runs until January 8. For show times, prices, and to book tickets go here.
Ciaran Jones
Robin Hood at Riverfront, Newport - 5/5
I've been taking my nephew to the panto at Newport's Riverfront Theatre for a while now and after a few years off, the tradition was back.
Every year after our annual panto trip I ask him what he thought, out of 10, because as much I love going, his opinion probably counts more. He's always totally hyperbolic, and usually gives me outrageous numbers out of ten. I think the last show was 600/10.
He's eight years old now though (two years off is a long time for a kid), so he's much more grown up and reasonable in his ratings. This year was a solid one billion out of 10 . It'll have to do.
The show itself is filled with surprisingly moving renditions of musical favourites from Les Miserable (I know, I didn't expect that either) and The Greatest Showman, with a sprinkling of some pop and classic panto-style silly songs too.
For me, the returning and ever-brilliant Richard Elis stole the show as Much, providing comedy for the kids and political digs for the grown ups. Gareth Tempest and Aled Pugh were also hilarious as Dame Dotty and The Sheriff, while leads Rhiannon Porter (Maid Marion) and Geraint Rhys Edwards (Robin Hood) really brought the show together with their strong vocals.
It's always a real highlight in the city's arts calendar and the people involved never fail to bring out the belly laughs. And of course, the sneaky giggles from the grown ups.
There's a good level of jokes for adults combined with enough songs and silliness for the kids. My nephew, while looking between me and the laughing lady next to us, insisted we were "laughing at the wrong bits". "What do you mean?" I asked him. "She was laughing when they said stuff that wasn't funny." Which pretty much sums it up.
My nephew did, however, really enjoy the backflips performed by one of the dancers (he branded this "panto parkour"), as well as the party cannons that went off at the end. He decided it was important to pocket some of the streamers that shot out of them.
All-in-all, the show was a wonderful way to kick off the festive season, with enough laughs, boos and he's behind yous to send a child (and a big kid) home happy.
*Robin Hood is at Newport's Riverfront Theatre until Saturday, January 7 2023
Josh Knapman
Jack And The Beanstalk, Porthcawl - 4/5
There's nothing like a panto at Christmas - whatever your age - and after the covid pandemic it's fabulous to see theatres packed once again with families eager for this dose of Christmas magic.
The Grand Pavilion at Porthcawl has long been making a name for itself for its festive shows and while it may be on a smaller scale than the neighbouring New Theatre in Cardiff and Swansea Grand Theatre, it proves that you don't need a massive budget to put smiles on faces.
This year Jack And The Beanstalk is the chosen production and it features some impressive sets (a moving giant and growing beanstalk) lavish costumes (take a bow Tegwen Trott) and oodles of fun. Vern Griffiths is wonderful as the aforementioned Dame Tegwen complete with over-the-top mannerisms, those outrageous outfits and a few deadpan deliveries, while Ellena Louise Thompson sprinkles plenty of magic as the kindly Fairy Candy Floss.
Gregory Joshua-Cox has the kids - and adults - laughing as Squire Stinker, who lives up to his name by breaking wind every time he steps on stage. I mean who can resist fart jokes? And Samantha Spragg has everyone hissing and booing as the show's resident baddie, Poison Ivy.
Kyle Tovey wins over the kids in the audience as Tegwen's dimwitted son, Tommy, with lots of banter and silliness and while he is arguably the star of the show there is another character who you can't resist falling in love with - Daisy the Cow. Hats off to the pair inside the costume for some impressive choreographed moves.
This show has everything you expect from a panto - audience participation, hit songs, ensemble pieces - and from the moment the curtain raises you will feel very festive indeed.
Jack And The Beanstalk is at Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl until Sunday, January 8. Click here for tickets.
Karen Price
Beauty and the Beast at Swansea Grand Theatre - 5/5
If there’s one thing many didn’t expect to happen at this year’s Swansea panto, it was to walk out feeling quite choked up. Whilst the magic was alive and well throughout the whole afternoon, with a new digital set mesmerising a young audience, it was a kind moment from a boy brought on stage to participate in one of the joke segments that stole the show for many.
Young Braxton Thomas cut an unassuming figure as one of four children lined up on stage waiting his turn to sing the animal noise verse of Old McDonald. But once it was time for them to receive goodie bags as a reward, it was a famous panto gag that restored your faith in humanity. Kev Johns, who plays Nanna Penny, and Matt Edwards, who plays Cyril, handed out the gifts to three of the kids - leaving one little girl out, pretending that they only had enough for three of them. Of course, there was always a fourth goodie bag, but kind-hearted Braxton’s immediate thought was to sacrifice his and hand it over to the little girl left empty handed.
It was a moment of kindness which encapsulated what the Christmas season should be all about, and whilst Braxton did get his own goodie bag afterwards, with a few extra selection boxes for his good deed, his selfless act was met by the biggest ovation of the night from the audience.
Of course, there were many special and memorable moments. If there’s one thing Swansea’s famous old theatre does best, it is panto, and this year is no exception. As already mentioned, the new technology really separates the show visually from anything you would recognise from the past, lending itself perfectly to the production and giving a first glimpse at what the age-old tradition will look like going forward. Light up wands were waved in the auditorium by excited youngsters, joining in with the jokes and booing and hissing the likes of Enchantress Morgan Le Fay, played by Ella Biddlecombe. They danced in the aisles and sang along to songs sung beautifully by Hayley Gallivan who played Belle, with modern hits such as George Ezra’s Green Green Grass performed.
Former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Matt Edwards shone in his role as Cyril, both falling on, and off, of stage during his high energy performance which kept the mood high and the laughs aplenty. He has fantastic on stage chemistry with panto legend Kev Johns, who as always, delivers a stellar performance as the dame, reeling off gags left right and centre, wearing outlandish outfits, from traditional Welsh regalia to that of a Viking, to catch the eye from the second he introduces himself on stage singing the classic Yma O Hyd. This year’s star turn is Joe McFadden, who does well in his role of egotistical Barry Island, a character with a penchant for saying 'woof' throughout the show.
There’s plenty to appreciate if you’re from Swansea - with lots of local references sprinkled throughout the show, the most standout being the incorporation of famous Swansea pub the Uplands Tavern as one of the central locations of the scenes. Suzie Curran’s character was even called Fairy Mumblena. The audience participation is also brilliant. Whilst I was there, a scream from a young child requesting a rendition of Ghostbusters saw musical director John Quirk improvise and do just that - before going back to the plan of playing The Teddy Bears Picnic. ‘No more requests’, yelled Kev Johns. If you’re hoping to hear a rendition of ‘Tale as old as time’ you’ll be disappointed, but you’ll barely notice it hasn’t been performed, thanks to the likes of Stefan Pejic’s rendition of Goo Goo Doll’s Iris which caught the attention in his role as the Beast.
All in all, it is a slick, funny and enjoyable show that the whole family will enjoy. It is well worth your time and will make a lovely festive day out over Christmas.
Beauty and the Beast is at Swansea’s Grand Theatre until Sunday, January 15. Click here for tickets.
Robert Dalling
Santa’s Wish at Cardiff Castle’s Christmas Festival - 4/5
Let me confess something to you: I bloody love Christmas and I always have. I take the confessional tone simply because I’m not sure that as a man in his early 30s it’s seen as the done thing to go all in on the festive season. But, barring a few dishonourable exceptions (mince pies and Christmas pudding, I’m looking at you) I love pretty much everything about the festive season. So get The Pogues on, crack out your pigs in blankets-flavoured Christmas crisps, and let me tell you why Santa’s Wish is a festive frolic that you’d have to be made of stone not to enjoy.
You’re onto a winner before you’ve even started – the show is set in the pleasingly vintage 548-seat spiegeltent erected for seasonal shows in the grounds of the majestic Cardiff Castle. The stage juts out into a circular seating arrangement meaning everyone is close to the action and you’re pretty much guaranteed a great view (the booths and rows G and H are slightly affected by intermittent pillars around the tent so if you have the opportunity to go further forward you’ll be unimpeded but it’s not a major problem) as the performance takes place in front of, around, and above you.
Indeed the entertainment begins before the show itself, in a sense, with the attentive noting that the festive tracks are interspersed with updates from North Pole Radio. Once we do get going it’s straight into it – Santa’s upgraded eco sleigh has crashed and he and his team of elves have to combine heart, hope, and belief and create a new wish to get the elf pathways re-opened so they can travel home to save Christmas.
Our off-grid Santa and his band of helpers then take us through a (slightly meandering) backstory as they go on a mission that fuses musical with physical theatre and aspects of circus and combines what at points feels like a pop gig with an underlying moral lesson. It’s 100% feelgood festive fun – the fact the pacy plot isn’t the easiest to follow for little kids is compensated for with a lively and upbeat show that barrels along with no flabby bits. Naomi Katiyo arguably steals the show as Tinsel the elf and Lily with her great vocal range as she uses the thrust stage to turn sections of the show into mini-concerts while Keely Edwards as Jingle the elf delights with her eye-popping acrobatics in confined spaces as well as her exceptional aerial work that brings an unexpected element to the show and very much matches the surroundings.
While there are plenty of chuckles it doesn’t – quite rightly – have the knockabout or ad-libbed style of panto. So if you’re looking for something more polished that’ll suit the whole family and guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face and filled with Christmas cheer then make a wish for this and treat yourself to something that feels like a fresh take on the very crowded field of festive entertainment.
* Running until December 31 and suitable for ages three plus. Tickets, which start from £8.50, and more information are available at www.thecastle.wales
Ciaran Jones
Castellana at Cardiff Castle’s Christmas Festival - 4/5
Wow! What a show. This magical, jaw-dropping, hilarious circus meets The Greatest Showman with a fun adult twist is well worth seeing. It should definitely be pointed out that the age rating for this show of 16 plus is very accurate, it is an adult show. You will be glued to your seat all evening as incredibly talented acts take to the stage, the side-splitting commentary is provided by three great hosts who not only host but sing too, and not only that but there is singing, dancing and a fair bit of cheeky nudity.
The incredible acts include Fancy Chance and Joe Keeley. Joe Keeley performed twice with his first routine truly incredible as he twisted, climbed and performed on hanging ribbons, using just his upper arm strength to keep him in the air. None of the acts were amateur performers, clearly all talented and experienced professionals, and it was like nothing I had ever seen before.
Fancy Chance dangled from just her hair like a beautiful bird in flight, as at times she even flew over the audience. The music and incredible lighting setup only added to the atmosphere as you felt fully absorbed into the show. The show part musical, with the three hosts often bursting into song, impressing the audience with their powerful and talented vocals.
Welsh culture is referenced throughout the show, too. From spine-tingling performances in Welsh, to the plot of unlocking a hidden Wales this show has a strong Welsh identity and reiterates how lucky we are to call Wales home.
The setting of Cardiff Castle is perfect for the show, with the Fortuna Spiegeltent like a Tardis-much bigger than you expect on the inside. It is also toasty warm in the tent so although you might have to don the layers to reach the castle, you will be very comfortable once inside.
Prepare to be amazed, laughing hard and having had a thoroughly good time if you have tickets to Castellana.
Castellana runs until January 1, 2023, find out more, here: www.thecastle.wales
Stephanie Colderick
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