30+ family-friendly theatre shows, musicals, pantomimes and other performances in and around Cardiff for Christmas 2021

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It’s been a long time since I put one of these theatre listings together! I missed live theatre so much over the last year and a half and it’s been great to see our local theatres coming back to life in recent weeks. As you might expect, there’s plenty on offer for families this festive season, with everything from big budget musical productions and classical ballet, to new and original family theatre and amateur pantomimes on offer in Cardiff and surrounding areas.

Shows are organised by venue and listed alphabetically. Please note all performances are subject to change or cancellation.

Are you planning on seeing any of these? Let me know in the comments below, on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page. You can tweet me on @cardiffmummy or follow me on Instagram @cardiffmummysays I share lots of local events in my Instagram Stories.

Please note Covid passes are required for entry to theatres for over 18s from Monday 15 November 2021. Get your pass here. https://gov.wales/get-your-nhs-covid-pass

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

More info on events at Blackwood Miners’ Institute here.

Cinderella

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Saturday 4-Tuesday 30 December

£15.50-£19.50

TV, radio and panto star Owen Money heads up the cast as Cinderella’s fairy godmother turns her into a princess so she can attend Prince Charming’s Royal Ball. The prince falls instantly in love with her but at midnight the Princess disappears leaving behind one crystal slipper.

Will the prince ever be able to find her? And will the stepsisters get their just punishment?

Chapter, Cardiff

More information on events at Chapter here

Llygoden Yr Eira

Chapter, Cardiff

Thursday 25-Saturday 27 November

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo present this Welsh language performance aimed at children under five and their families. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered white. A child wraps up warm and runs outside to play in a sparkling new world. But what’s hiding under the snow? A little mouse, fast asleep. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, the two new friends explore the winter wonderland together. Filled with play, puppetry and music, the enchanting and mischievous Llygoden yr Eira returns to venues across Wales this winter.

Also at: Ffwrnes, Llanelli Thursday 18-Saturday 20 November; Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon Tuesday 23 November; Pontardawe Arts Centre Tuesday 30 November; Memo Arts Centre Barry Wednesday 1-Thursday 2, The Welfare, Ystradgynlais Friday 3 December. Plus other dates across mid and north Wales.

https://www.theatriolo.com/current-productions-1

Grand Pavilion Porthcawl

More information on events at Grand Pavilion Porthcawl here.

Aladdin

Grand Pavilion Porthcawl

Saturday 11 December 2021-Sunday 2 January 2022

£16-£22

Climb aboard the magic carpet and follow the story of poor Aladdin, who has fallen in love with a princess and dreams of a life much better than working in his mother Widow Twankey’s laundry. Can the discovery of a magic lamp with a larger-than-life genie help him to make all of his wishes come true, or will the wicked magician Abanazar succeed in claiming both the lamp and the Princess for himself? Expect side-splitting slapstick comedy, stunning special effects and memorable musical numbers.

International Conference Centre, Celtic Manor, Newport

More information on events at the International Conference Centre, Celtic Manor here

Christmas on Broadway

International Conference Centre, Celtic Manor, Newport

Saturday 4 December, 7.30pm

From £29.70

Christmas on Broadway features a star-studded line up of West End performers, starring leading lady Kerry Ellis (Wicked, Les Misérables) and singers from viral sensation Welsh of the West End – Steffan Hughes (Only Men Aloud, S4C), Mared Williams (Les Miserables), Jade Davies (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) and Tom Hier (Miss Saigon, Joseph). The all-star cast joins forces with an eight-piece live band made up of musicians from The Novello Orchestra, conducted by David Mahoney, whose trademark passion and charisma have made it one of the finest show orchestras in the UK. From Santa Baby, Sleigh Ride and Blue Christmas to All that Jazz, Let it Go and Defying Gravity, big band swing, epic gospel and musical theatre are uniquely combined in this festive spectacular.

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

More information on events at Memo Arts Centre here

Aladdin

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December 7.30pm, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December 10am and 2.30pm

Adults £15, concessions £12, group (2+2) £50, discount for NHS staff who book in person and show photo ID.

Barry’s Billboard Ensemble celebrate their 25th anniversary with the Aladdin, the story of a streetwise boy from Peking who finds a strange lamp with magical powers within. But the wicked wizard Abanazar wants to steal Aladdin’s magic lamp to help him become the most powerful wizard in the world. Follow Aladdin’s adventures as he gets entangled in the struggle between good and evil… and we get the answers to these important questions:

Will Aladdin save the day and find true love? Will the Widow Twanky ever get her washing done?

You’ll have to sit back, clap your hands, cheer, boo and enjoy the story of Aladdin to find out!

Llygoden Yr Eira

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Wednesday 1-Thursday 2 December;

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo present this Welsh language performance aimed at children under five and their families. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered white. A child wraps up warm and runs outside to play in a sparkling new world. But what’s hiding under the snow? A little mouse, fast asleep. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, the two new friends explore the winter wonderland together. Filled with play, puppetry and music, the enchanting and mischievous Llygoden yr Eira returns to venues across Wales this winter.

Also at: Ffwrnes, Llanelli Thursday 18-Saturday 20 November; Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon Tuesday 23 November; Chapter Cardiff Thursday 26-Saturday 18 November, Pontardawe Arts Centre Tuesday 30 November; The Welfare, Ystradgynlais Friday 3 December. Plus other dates across mid and north Wales.

The Met, Abertillery

More information on events at The Met here.

Beauty and the Beast

The Met, Abertillery

Wednesday 1-Sunday 5 December, 6pm

£15/£12 or £48 family of four

Rainbow Valley Productions present their annual panto, Beauty and the Beast.

It’s panto time at The Met, Abertillery. Join us and Rainbow Valley Productions this year for the wonderful tale of Beauty & The Beast. A beautiful young girl yearns to leave her small town to escape the unwanted attentions of the town braggart, only to find herself prisoner of a vain prince who’s been transformed into a hideous Beast by a magical spell. But is there someone even scarier in the woods who could lead everyone on a nerve shredding ‘Chase’?  

Mototpoint Arena Cardiff

For more information on events at the Motorpoint Arena here

L.O.L. Surprise Live!

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Thursday 23 December 6pm and Friday 24 December 10.30am and 2pm

See the L.O.L Surprise! characters live. It’s the biggest L.O.L. Surprise! VIP event of the year and Mallory is getting ready for the party with the advice of her L.O.L. Surprise! friends Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Swag and Neonlicious to put together her fierce look. Along the way, Mallory and the L.O.L. Surprise! characters are joined by many of their friends you’ll know all too well, as well as dancing, singing, life-size holograms of L.O.L. Surprise! Remix O.M.G. Fashion Dolls – Kitty K, Lonestar, Pop B.B. and Honeylicious.

New Theatre Cardiff

More information on events at the New Theatre, Cardiff here

The Addams’ Family

New Theatre, Cardiff

Tuesday 16-Saturday 20 November

The kooky family are back on stage in this musical comedy which stars Samantha Womack as Morticia and Cameron Blakely as Gomez. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. Will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences?

Aladdin

New Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 4 December-Sunday 2 January

Paul Chuckle, Gareth Gates, Gareth Thomas and Mike Doyle star in this year’s panto at the New Theatre. Follow Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee, and his mother Widow Twankey, on a spectacular adventure filled with flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer, with laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Paget Rooms Penarth

More information on Penarth Operatic Drama Society performances here

Cinderella

Paget Rooms Penarth

Wednesday 1-Sunday 5 December

£10-£12

Penarth Operatic Drama Society (PODS) presents its annual panto, Cinderella. A local cast of children and adults take to the stage as Cinders hopes to head to the ball against the wishes of her wicked stepmother.

Riverfront, Newport

More information on events at the Riverfront here

Rubicon Dance presents The Nutcracker

Riverfront, Newport

Friday 10 December 6.30pm, Saturday 11 December 2.30 & 6.30pm, Sunday 12 December at 1.30 & 5.30pm

Adults £15, concessions £12.50, family of four £54

Local company Rubicon Dance premiere a new, family friendly production of the Christmas favourite, The Nutcracker. In a first for Wales, this version of The Nutcracker is given a new, original twist featuring music by Duke Ellington and is transplanted into a 20th century Welsh family Christmas. Choreographed by award winning Jamiel Laurence, lately of Scottish Ballet, in his first full length work, the show features eight of Wales’ most exciting dancers in an exhilarating festive treat

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama


More information on events at RWCMD here

Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales

Bute Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Saturday 4, Tuesday 7-Friday 10 December 7.15pm plus 2.30pm Thursday 9 December

£14/£12
Age 7+

A magical journey through wondrous lands and fantastical fables in this Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales. This adaptation for young and old, directed by Cardiff-born Jac Ifan Moore, will feature some of your favourite fairy tales with unexpected twists and turns at every corner! Gruesomely funny stories of brave children, kings and queens and mythical creatures.

Cinderella

Richard Burton Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Saturday 18 December 2pm and 7pm,  Sunday 19 December 2pm and 6.30pm

£16

Kinetic School of Performing Arts present the the fabulously funny, heart-warming tale of rags to riches Cinderella as she tries to find her prince and make it to the ball, despite her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters’ efforts. The show features cameo appearances from Cardiff’s very own showbiz personalities Wyburn & Wayne as the Ugly Stepsisters alongside a talented Kinetic Company cast.

Step Into Christmas

Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 December, 7pm

£15

The whole of Kinetic School of Performing Arts (Theatre School Students, Youth Academy & Company) plus some special guests and alumni bring in the holiday season with song, dance, drama and plenty of festive cheer.

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

More information on events at Sherman Theatre Cardiff here

A Christmas Carol

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

26 November-31 December

£16-26

Acclaimed playwright Gary Owen relocates the Dickens classic to Cardiff, for a Miracle on St Mary Street. It’s Cardiff, 1843 and money is all Scrooge has. It’s all she has ever had but it’s never made her happy. But on Christmas Eve she will meet three ghosts who will teach her the most important lesson of all. By Christmas morning she will have learned how to live for the first time.

The Elves and the Shoemaker / Y Coblynnod a’r Crydd 

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

From £9.50

Monday 29 November-Friday 31 December 2021

The perfect way to introduce theatre to young children, The Elves and the Shoemaker / Y Coblynnod a’r Crydd is ideal for children aged three to six and their families. Clara the shoemaker is hungry and cold. No one wants to buy her shoes.

One morning to her surprise she finds someone has mysteriously made a pair of the snazziest footwear overnight. Shoes that will sell like hot cakes. Clara’s luck is about to change. Who does she need to thank for this wonderful turn of events?

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 

More information on No Fit State Circus events here

No Fit State Circus: Lexicon

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 

Wednesday 15 December-Saturday 15 January 2022

Adults £22-£24, concessions £15-£17, family of 4 £60-65
Join the UK’s most extraordinary circus company, NoFit State under the Big Top at Sophia Gardens.

A powerful performance as much as a wild celebration of the past, present and future of circus, Lexicon is a world inhabited by quiet misfits and furious poetry, a world of magic, laughter and lightness. Take to your seats and enter an experience like no other; enjoy a raucous celebration full of festive fare, fun and frolics, right in the heart of the city. No Fit State invite you to raise your spirits with this uplifting and poetic performance, complete with an exceptional live band.

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

More information on events at St David’s Hall here

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Live in Concert

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thu 25 November 2021, 7:30pm

£38.50-£73.50

Following the huge success of The Empire Strikes Back UK tour, the iconic climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Return Of The Jedi, will be presented live in concert across the UK for the first time with a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score of Oscar winner, John Williams along with the film shown in HD on a huge screen. Return of the Jedi (1983) sees Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and co. joined by Yoda and the Ewoks in an adventure across the galaxy as Darth Vader prepares to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. 

The Promise of Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 4 December, 3pm

£15-£17, concessions £1 off these prices, under 12s £5 per ticket

A festive family celebration of Christmas in this musical journey through the Christmas story, Expect carols and songs old and new plus exciting orchestral music as Cambrensis Choir, The Promise of Christmas Youth Choir and the St David’s Praise Choir unite.

Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service Christmas Showcase

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Wednesday 8 December 2021, 7pm

£2

Award-winning ensembles, special guests and hundreds of performers unite in this celebration of young local musicians in this well-loved annual spectacular.

The Snowman

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 9 December, 1.30pm and 6.30pm

Watch the classic animation as never before, accompanied by a magnificent live orchestra. As well as The Snowman, enjoy the stunning story and music of The Bear and the Piano, complete with an exclusive big screen animation and narration recorded by Joanna Lumley. Proudly presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of The Snowman film with live orchestra – the performance features some of the UK’s finest musicians who bring even more fun by dressing as well-loved Christmas characters.

For more information on the show, and for a 25% discount on full price tickets, see my blog post here (advertisement feature).

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Festive Brass

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Friday 10 December, 1pm

£6.50 in advance, £7.50 on the day

An hour of traditional carols and festive favourites performed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s brass instrumentalists. The perfect chance for a family sing along and to embrace some Christmas cheer.

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra: A Night At The Movies

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Friday 10 December, 7.30pm

This year’s line-up includes the Welsh Premieres of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Spider-Man: Far From Home, plus The Magnificent Seven and the classic Cary Grant Hitchcock thriller, North By Northwest.

There’s also the festive favourites White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life; as well as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Indiana Jones and much more. Conducted by Michael Bell MBE this is a musical treat for the whole family.


City Voices Cardiff present Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 11 December, 3pm

The Cardiff choir presents a mix of traditional and newer festive favourites, from Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town to Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy! Plus expect audience carols and the ever-popular audience participation Twelve Days of Christmas. The event will raise money for Sunday Circle Cardiff, which provides an opportunity for teenagers and young adults with learning disabilities to socialise with their peers in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. 

Carols For Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 12 December, 3pm

Join the BBC National Chorus of Wales alongside their artistic director, Adrian Partington, and the BBC NOW Brass for a selection of popular carols, plus readings by a host of BBC Wales presenters.

Tiddly Prom: Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 16-Sunday 19 December, 10.30am

£8.50

This Christmas treat from the Tiddly Prom team sees Bert, Cherry and many of their musical friends coming together for fun and frivolity. Featuring songs from Bert’s three popular Tiddly Proms alongside festive favourites, this interactive live musical show is an ideal way for the under 5s to re-introduce the adults they look after to Christmas. Bert is in a festive mood; the Christmas tree is up and he’s wrapped everything ready for the big day. Cherry is coming to help put the finishing touches to the decorations and all their friends will be popping in too. As usual expect a lively story, lots of silly songs to sing along to and a large helping of musical plum pudding.

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia

St David’s Hall

Saturday 18 December-Sunday 2 January

Cinderella

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December, 2pm and 5.30pm

The world’s favourite rags to riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.

The Nutcracker

Monday 20-Friday 24 December (Monday 7pm, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 2pm and 7pm, Friday 2pm)

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.  As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life literally off the set, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

Swan Lake

Monday 27-Thursday 30 December (Monday 2pm and 5.30pm, Tuesday-Thursday 2pm and 7pm

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

Romeo & Juliet

Friday 31 December, 5.30pm, Sunday 2 January 2pm and 5.30pm

Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.

Swansea Grand Theatre

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Swansea Grand Theatre

Friday 10 December 2021 to Sunday, 2 January 2022

£17.00 – £36.00

Olympian Colin Jackson stars as The Man in the Mirror, Swansea panto legend Kev Johns is Cook, BGT’s hilarious Jon Clegg plays Muddles, and the brilliant bad apple, Zoe George, playing the Wicked Queen.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation as we outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.

Wales Millennium Centre

More information on shows at Wales Millennium Centre here.

Grease

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Monday 22-Saturday 27 November 7.30pm. Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

From £17.50

Age guidance 8+. No under 2s.

After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? With its phenomenal score, including hits Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is brought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic. Peter Andre stars as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine for most of the performances in Cardiff, other than 22 and 27 November 2021.

Heathers

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Tuesday 30 November-Saturday 4 December 7.30pm; Thursday-Saturday 2.30pm

From £17.50

Age guidance 14+ (no under 2s)

Following two smash hit West End seasons and the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical, Heathers The Musical, the black comedy rock musical based on the eponymous 1988 film comes to Cardiff as part of its first UK tour. Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.

Pinocchio and the Northern Lights

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Thursday 2-Saturday 4 December

Age guidance 5+, babes in arms welcome

Thanks to a very clever fairy, Pinocchio is no longer a wooden puppet. But with Geppetto gone, can Pinocchio learn to embrace the memories and find their true self? Join Pinocchio this Christmas on a journey of discovery through the highs and lows of human emotion. Out of the darkness and sadness comes a magical adventure. Featuring comedy, original songs, an interactive digital cast live on screen and stage… and a very brave penguin, Pinocchio and the Northern Lights is the perfect family treat.

This heartfelt and joyful new adventure by Hefin Robinson is loosely inspired by the work of Carlo Collodi, and based on ideas by the participants of Hijinx Odyssey. Contains themes of bereavement and grief.

Oi Frog & Friends

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Wednesday 15 December-Sunday 2 January

From £12.50

Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat come to the stage in this action-packed adaptation filled with songs, puppets, laughs and lots of rhymes. It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dog is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… Who knew there were so many rhyming rules and what will happen when Frog is in charge?

Beauty and the Beast

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Thursday 9 December-Saturday 15 January

From £22.50 (limited availability; some shows almost sold out)

Age guidance 6+. No under 3s.

Twenty-six years after it first debuted on Broadway, the Disney favourite comes to Cardiff in this enchanting and lavish new production. Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, expect all the magic of Disney brought to life featuring the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

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