It’s time to dust off the decorations, crack open the mince pies and don your glitteriest clothing, because December is finally here. If you find yourself with some free time between Christmas shopping and present wrapping, here are our top theatre picks for December.
Oor Wullie: Dundee Rep, running until 30 December.
Scotland’s cheekiest scamp Oor Wullie is back to Dundee Rep in their annual December show. Featuring favourites from the beloved comic strip like Primrose, Boab and Soapy Soutar, the production builds on the success of the theatre’s 2019 production, and contains new songs and cheekier capers. Dundee Rep’s festive offering is always a delight, and this year’s show promises to be no different.
Revel Puck’s Winter Festival: London, 12 December- 5 January.
This year, circus company Revel Puck will be bringing two shows to London. Led by a cast of female performers, The Ruckus follows Nancy, who is planning a winter party. When her guests arrive early, she enlists help from her friends to help her entertain them while she finalises her outfit. The festival will also show the company’s newest work The Ugly Duckling: A Circus Story, a coming-of-age tale suitable for the whole family. Expect mesmerising acrobatics and circus tricks from this critically-acclaimed circus company.
Swamplesque: Assembly Hall, Edinburgh. 5 December – 4 January.
Shrek, Burlesque and drag: what’s not to like? Following on from the success of their run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, this show is making a stop in Edinburgh over the festive period before its London transfer in February. Described by West End Best Friend as a “sensationally silly show”, it’s bound to be an entertaining evening.
The Glass Slippers: The Lighthouse, Poole, 7-24 December.
Tutti Frutti’s modern adaptation of Cinderella destroys the dated constructs of the “ugly” step-sisters and inverses the notion that living “happily-ever-after” means being rescued by a handsome prince. When Cinderella, an outdoorsy girl who clashes with her new family about their views on overconsumption and sustainability meets a prince tired of pretending to be someone he’s not on social media, the two strike up a friendship. This is the last chance to catch this show, as Poole marks the final stop on their UK tour.
Mary: A Gig Theatre Show. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 19-21 December.
Another show that’s back after an acclaimed run at The Fringe, Mary: A Gig Theatre Show will have a short run at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre just before Christmas. Featuring original music and spoken word, the show will delve into Mary Queen of Scots’ life, depicting the hardships she faced at the hands of men. The show is part of the theatre’s £1 tickets project, where those under 25 or receiving certain benefits can apply for £1 tickets.
Ballet Shoes. National Theatre, London. Running until 22 February.
An adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s classic novel, Ballet Shoes pirouettes across the Olivier Theatre’s stage this winter. Following three adopted sisters with big plans for the future, the show explores what it’s like to pursue your passion in a world that’s not made for ambitious women. If you can’t fit this into your busy December schedule, the show will run until February, so there’s plenty of opportunities to see it.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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