Drama Sister Nativity by Bernardo Santareno at Drayton Arms Theatre 2 - 6 December

Translated & Directed by Sebastião Marques Lopes

It’s Christmas Eve at a convent of contemplative nuns, where the Mother Superior lies bedridden. Over the course of the night, she finds herself tested by the austere intellect of Sister Trinity and by Sister Nativity, the convent’s newest member, who insists she shares an intimate bond with Christ himself.

Bernardo Santareno (1920–1980) was a Portuguese playwright whose work faced heavy censorship under Salazar’s dictatorship. Despite his mastery of language, tone and dramatic invention, most of his plays remain untranslated, with the only known UK production being The Crime at the Old Village at the Greenwich Playhouse in 2006. Having discovered his work during lockdown, writer and director Sebastião Marques Lopes hopes to popularise this largely forgotten and seldom performed giant.

All Ages The Railway Children by E. Nesbit at The Tabard Theatre, Chiswick 5 December 2025 - 3 January 2026

From the creative team behind the Tabard’s Christmas hits, Five Children and It, The Secret Garden and The Snow Queen comes a heartwarming new adaptation of the much-loved classic story from E.Nesbit.

When their father is unexpectedly called away, three children -Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis – are uprooted from their London home and find themselves in the countryside. Through a world of steam trains, station porters, and unexpected adventures, they discover the power of kindness, courage, and hope.

Adapted by Louise Haddington and directed by the Tabard’s Artistic Director Simon Reilly, The Railway Children is a joyful and moving tale that celebrates the importance of family and community.

Book today for the perfect festive treat and a magical journey for all ages.

COMEDY PRESCRIPTION MURDER at Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham 2 - 6

Written by William Link and Richard Levinson

Directed by Mimi Newby

Flemming is a brilliant psychiatrist who thinks he has committed the perfect murder against his wife until he meets Lieutenant Columbo who needs to tie up all the loose ends. See the play that inspired the legendary TV series. Murder, cigars and just one more thing…

Ghost Stories GHOSTLY TALES BY CANDLELIGHT at Etcetera Theatre, Camden 7, 14, 21 December

Ghostly Tales by Candlelight, is a stunning new show from Words2Music (leading London poet Alice Benson & musician Marek Tribedi). This 45 minute performance promises a journey through a variety of ghostly encounters, in verse and prose, drawn from personal experience.

The show is a masterful blend of original spoken word, evocative music and immersive imagery, exploring tales of the uncanny, with reflection and humour in equal measure.

All Ages The Mystery of Irma Vep – a Penny Dreadful  by Charles Ludlam, directed by Kate Bannister at The Jack Studio Theatre  9 Dec - 4 Jan

The Mystery of Irma Vep returns to the Jack this Christmas!

Egyptologist Lord Edgar brings his new bride, Lady Enid, to the Hillcrest family home. But a dark shadow hangs over them in the shape of Irma Vep, Lord Edgar’s first wife who died in mysterious circumstances. Will Lady Enid escape the fate of her predecessor? Will Lord Edgar find his mummy?

Join us this Christmas for mayhem and laughter in this gothic horror, quick-change tour-de-force. Written by avant-garde American playwright, Charles Ludlam, actor, director and founder of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.

Presented by the award-winning in-house team behind Montague’s Millions, Kindred Spirits, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, A Christmas Carol and The Invisible Man.

Classic Ghost story THE SIGNALMAN at Drayton Arms, Kensington 10 December - 1 January

Presented by Mudlark Creative & Drayton Arms Theatre

Join us for a nerve-tingling festive treat and fear your senses this Christmas as you step into the haunted railway cutting at Clayton signal box. In our eerie new full-length dramatisation of Dickens’ The Signalman, a chance encounter brings together two men: The Visitor, newly liberated from the drudgery of office life and seeing the world with fresh eyes; and The Signalman, desperate to share his visitations with someone - anyone - who will listen. Enhanced by glorious surround sound - a first for the Drayton Arms - this is a fresh new telling of this quintessentially classic ghost story that will leave you on edge this December.

Musical LAMBCO Productions Presents:  BOYS IN THE BUFF at Golden Goose Theatres 10 Dec - 10 Jan

Have you ever felt judged for not having the right body shape? Too fat? Too thin? Never exercise?  Our photo-shopped world is not always kind. Diana and her boys sing, dance and tell stories about self-confidence, body image, and society’s unreasonably high expectations on our appearance, sharing personal stories and daring each other to reveal more and more of themselves.  As they explore their bodies they discover 101 ways to look fabulous.

Musical PIPPIN at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 11 Dec 2025 - 11 Jan 2026

Production by: Chromolume Productions

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ | Book by ROGER O. HIRSON

A dazzling troupe of travelling performers converges to tell the story of a young prince’s pursuit of purpose. Hypnotised by the glitz and glamour, Pippin chases glory in battle, temptation in love, and power on the throne only to discover that the brighter the bulbs, the darker the shadows. Broadway meets Bognor Regis in this reimagining of Stephen Schwartz’s (Wicked; Godspell) Tony Award-winning classic.

From the same team that brought you ROAD SHOW and YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN:

Director & Choreographer: Amanda Noar
(Moominvalley In November; Working: A Musical; A Slice Of Saturday Night) 

Musical Director: Harry Style (Shantify; The Crooked Spire; Godspell) 

Associate Director: Isaac Bernier-Doyle  (Dr Freud Will See You Now, Mrs Hitler; Tom Lehrer Is Teaching Math And Doesn’t Want To Talk To You)

Originally Produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow

Panto BEAUTY AND THE BEAST award winning panto returns to Bridge House Theatre, Penge 13 - 30 Dec

In the quaint French village of Pénge-su-mer, the beautiful and headstrong Belle dreams of a life beyond the everyday. But high above the village, in the shadowy Great North Wood, the vain and arrogant Prince Philipe Phacochère rules from his hilltop castle with an iron fist, making life miserable for all. When he cheats his way to victory in the annual thumb-war championship, he earns the wrath of a wicked fairy — and a dreadful curse. Transformed into a hideous beast, the Prince must now discover the true meaning of love… or remain a monster forever.

Written by our Artistic Director Luke Adamson, this brand-new adaptation draws inspiration from the original French fairy tale — with a nod to the beloved Disney classic — and gives it a bold, inventive twist in true Bridge House style. Expect sharp wit, unexpected turns, and high-energy fun for all ages.

Join us for a festive season full of laughter, magic, and pantomime mayhem!

All Ages   A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Barons Court Theatre 9 - 13 December 2025, 7.30 pm, Saturday matinee, 13 December, 2.30 pm

Mitch Benn is bringing his sold-out show A Christmas Carol back to Barons Court Theatre for the third year this December! Continuing Charles Dickens' tradition of performing the text live, and using Dickens' original abridged text, let Mitch immerse you in the Christmas spirit with the beloved classic!

Come and live the magic of Christmas in one of the most intimate theatres in London!

Laughs, love & humanity THE FLAT EARTHERS at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 16 - 20 December

"We’re Flat Earthers, not ‘Elvis-isn’t-dead’ers’. This changes your whole life."
Greg, Sophie and Kevin are united by their belief that the world is flat. The trio meet in a local pub to share their latest Flat Earth research. As the self-designated leader, Greg has big ideas to boost their popularity and get their message out to the masses. However, before telling the world about their beliefs, they must first understand each other. But when you don't see the world like everyone else, how do you know anything is what it seems?

Shortlisted: Best Emerging Artist/Company (Brighton Fringe 2025)
★★★★★ “An enjoyable debut full of laughs, love and humanity.” (Entertainment Now)
★★★★★ "A proper little gem" (Sussex Playwrights)

Concert CHRISTMAS with Charles Court Opera - A Christmas Fundraising Concert 19 - 21 December

Extra date added due to incredible demand!

Charles Court Opera is back! CCO is no stranger to The Rosie, having started out its life here with their notorious Christmas pantos that we all adored, not to mention their fast paced, witty opera productions.

Join us for this exclusive, extra special Christmas concert (and a glass of festive bubbly after the evening performances!), which will fundraise for the company's future productions.

Featuring a cast of your CCO favourites, led by John Savournin and David Eaton, CCO's co-founders, this is one festive treat that you do not want to miss!