Festive Stage Lights: A Guide to Holiday Theater, Both In-Person and Online
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A diverse lineup of theatrical productions, ranging from a legal battle over biscuit classification to classic pantomimes and musical revivals, are set to brighten the holiday season for audiences both in theaters and at home. This year’s offerings cater to a wide range of tastes, promising entertainment for all ages.
The holiday season is traditionally a peak time for theatrical performances, and 2023 is no exception. From innovative adaptations to beloved classics, the stage is set.
Biscuit Battles and Legal Dramas
For those seeking something a little different, “The McVitie’s Case” offers a unique theatrical experience. This production, based on the real-life legal dispute over whether McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes are biscuits or cakes, is available for streaming on Lounges.TV, alongside Gigglemug’s other production, “Scouts! The Musical.”
Pantomime Magic and rock ‘n’ Roll Retellings
Conventional pantomimes continue to be a holiday staple. The New Wolsey in Ipswich presents a rock ‘n’ roll reimagining of “Beauty and the Beast,” with live-streams of matinee and evening performances throughout December,including a special Christmas Eve morning show. One theatregoer remarked that it’s “never too early to sing along to Meat loaf and Dolly Parton.”
Nottingham Playhouse is maintaining its tradition of offering an online pantomime with this year’s production of “sleeping Beauty.” Written and directed by the theatre’s director, Adam Penford, the show promises a fire-breathing dragon and the return of local favorite John Elkington as the dame, available from December 16th.
Storytelling and Musical Adventures
for younger audiences, “The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me,” a theatrical reading of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, offers a lively experience. Hammed Animashaun’s storytelling, combined with Daniel Bailey’s direction, chatty puppets, and vibrant design, creates a captivating film produced by the Unicorn Theatre.
Fans of musical theatre are in for a treat with several options.“The lightning Thief: The percy Jackson Musical” is back on tour in January, and the original London cast recording by Joe tracz and Rob Rokicki is now available online. songs like “DOA,” “Killer Quest!,” and “Bring on the Monsters” are poised to become anthems for a new generation of musical theatre enthusiasts.
Intimate Dramas and vaudeville Charm
“Kevrin, Out of Season,” a two-hander by Jack Brownridge-Kelly, offers a more intimate theatrical experience. Filmed at the Burrell Theatre in Truro, the play, which explores the connections between a pregnant woman and a couple, is available to watch on YouTube. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/
John C Reilly’s vaudeville show, “What’s Not to Love?”, continues to resonate with audiences. The show, which featured numbers by Irving Berlin and Tom Waits, is described as “irresistible” and showcases Reilly’s character, Mister Romantic, wooing the audience with popular song.
Classic Tales Reimagined for the Holidays
rounding out the season, the BBC’s Drama on 3 strand presents “Guys and Dolls at Christmas,” featuring Damon Runyon’s stories and Frank Loesser’s classic songs. Jamie Parker, known for his portrayal of Sky Masterson in previous productions, performs “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” bringing a touch of nostalgia to the holiday season.
This diverse range of theatrical offerings ensures a vibrant and entertaining holiday season for theatre lovers of all ages and preferences.
