40+ family-friendly theatre shows and performances in and around Cardiff, October-December 2019

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There are so many exciting theatre shows and performances coming to Cardiff and the surrounding areas this autumn and winter. You can watch everything from big stage-fillers such as Nativity The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Motorpoint Arena, and Gok Wan in panto as the New Theatre present Cinderella, to favourite TV characters from In The Night Garden and Milkshake! at the New Theatre and St David’s Hall. There are also lots of smaller productions from local companies including The Eye of The Storm from Theatr Na Nog, classical music performances aimed at families, and amateur productions from Orbit, Billboard, PODs and more.

If you have a younger child who has never been to a theatre show before and are feeling anxious about the prospect, then I would recommend the Christmas Tiddly Prom at St David’s Hall and The Ugly Duckling at the Sherman Theatre as a good place to start. These are smaller, more informal productions with relaxed seating for children and plenty of engagement and interaction. You might also like this article I wrote a while ago – 12 top tips on taking young children to the theatre. 

Here are more than 40 shows taking to the stages across Cardiff and the surrounding areas between now and the end of the year. Click on the name of the show to go straight to the relevant website for more information and booking.

Do let me know if you’ll be seeing any of them. Enjoy!

(Disclaimer: none of these companies have paid for inclusion in this guide although we regularly work with many of the theatres listed on theatre reviews where tickets are given in exchange for review.)

OCTOBER

 

The Cunning Little Vixen

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 13 October, 7.30pm

£14-£50

Age guidance 8+; no under 2s

Welsh National Opera present a charming and colourful production of Janáček’s opera with folk-like music evoking the vibrancy of nature. One afternoon deep in the forest, the Forester stumbles across a young vixen, and takes her home as a pet for his family. But this playful creature has bigger plans and escapes to take on the world on her own terms. As her adventure unfolds, all the creatures of the forest come to life, in a tale that celebrates the circle of life.

 

Ocean Film Festival World Tour

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Tuesday 15 October, 7.30pm

£14.50

Age guidance: 12A (children may attend if accompanied by an adult)

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back with a brand-new selection of the world’s most captivating ocean films. This carefully curated collection of short films features sublime footage from both above and below the water’s surface, showcasing the spellbinding power and beauty of our oceans. Celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray, who chase the crests of waves and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

 

The Best of John Williams

St David’s Hall Cardiff

Sunday 20 October, 3pm

London Concert Orchestra present an afternoon of favourite from the iconic film scores of John Williams including music from ET, Harry Potter, Jaws, Star Wars, Superman, Hook, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Indiana Jones and Close Encounters.

 

In The Night Garden Live

New Theatre, Cardiff

Wednesday 23-Sunday 27 October (Wednesday-Thursday 1pm; Friday-Sunday 10am and 1pm)

Now in its 10th year and having been seen by more than one million people, In The Night Garden Live brings a new show to Cardiff – Igglepiggle’s Busy Day. Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all. All your favourite characters are brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music in a show that lasts just under an hour.

 

Grease

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 15-Saturday 19 October

Age 8+; no under 2s

A fresh young cast bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic with a phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want. The much-loved musical tells the story of leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy who following a summer romance are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High. Can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more?

 

 

The Eye of The Storm

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Tuesday 15 October 1pm; Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October 10am and 1pm;
Friday 18 October 7pm, Saturday 19 October 2.30pm and 7pm

£10

Age guidance: 8+

(Schools performances 75 minutes; public performances 2 hours)

Emmie’s life has been a whirlwind, torn between caring for her mam and proving she’s got what it takes at school. But Emmie knows one day that’s all going to change.  One day she’s going to become a storm chaser… in America. But will her invention for renewable energy be enough to win her a bursary to study in the USA? Multi award-winning Theatr na nÓg present an original musical play, full of courage, determination and compassion, set against the backdrop of the Welsh Valleys. The original soundtrack comes from Grammy Award winner Amy Wadge (Keeping Faith, Thinkin’ Out Loud with Ed Sheeran) and the show is performed live on stage by a cast of 8 talented actor musicians.

 

 

Milkshake Live: Milkshake Monkey’s Musical

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Monday 28 October, 12pm and 3.30pm

Adults £17, children 6-12 months £10, children 1-16 years, £15.50, family of 4 £58

Favourites from Channel 5’s Milkshake coming to Cardiff include Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake presenters. In this new show, Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a new musical – but when stage fright hits, his friends come to the rescue. Be part of the production as you learn songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together.

 

Drudwen

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 26 October 7pm; Saturday 27 October 2pm and 7pm

Age guidance: 7+ (no under 2s)

Adults £12, children £7

Circus, movement and music tell the twisting story of the enchantress Drudwen, and the twins she finds in the forest who are not all that they appear to be… Drudwen is a dark modern fairy tale, a magical story of transformation, choice and consequence. With stunning aerial circus, hilarious physical comedy and captivating live music, Drudwen is a feast for the senses.

Also at Riverfront Arts Centre Newport, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November. See below for details.

 

I Wish I Was A Mountain

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 29 Friday 1 November, 11am; plus Tuesday 7pm

Age guidance: 6+ (no under 2s)

Written and performed by former Glastonbury Poetry Slam Champion, Toby Thompson, I Wish I Was A Mountain uses rhyme, live music, and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy to boldly reimagine Hermann Hesse’s classic fairy tale. On the day of the famous annual fair, the town of Faldum receives an unexpected visit. A wanderer offers to grant a wish to anyone who wants one. Before long, the city is transformed. Mansions stand where mud huts once squatted, and beggars ride around in horse drawn carriages. And one man wishes to be turned into a mountain.

See here for tour dates across Wales in October and November.

 

Baba Yaga

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Wednesday 30 October, 11am and 1.30pm

£6.25

Age guidance: 7-12

This new take on an old Russian folktale will give audiences plenty to think about. Vaselina lives the quiet life, working as a receptionist in a very tall apartment block. But all that changes when she is forced to confront a terrifying resident who plays her music far too loudly and eats jelly babies with her mouth open. Who is this mysterious neighbour? Will she ever turn the music down? And what exactly is she planning for dinner?

 

 

The Mystery Of The Raddlesham Mumps

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

Thursday 31 October 7pm

£8

After a series of untimely deaths, 7-year-old Crispin inherits a huge, empty house called Raddlesham Mumps.  The butler tells him about the bizarre and hilarious deaths of his deeply eccentric ancestors and the story takes flight on darkly comic wings. This brand-new show for children began its life as a 6000-word epic family poem and mixes dark storytelling and poetry with a brilliant score, which will make you and your family shudder and laugh out loud. Halloween fancy dress encouraged!

 

 

NOVEMBER

 

What a Wonderful World

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Thursday 31 October, 2pm and 4pm

£6

Age guidance: 2-6 years

Before anything new is made it must be dreamed. From our moon-base in the Sea of Tranquility we get a great view of the Earth and it’s time to make a new one just like we do every night! What shall we put in tomorrow’s world? Snowballs and flamingos of course!

Get your hands on the stuff of creation on this interactive romp through the universe, designed to delight and entertain even the smallest of people.

 

Oskar’s Amazing Adventure

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Friday 1 November, 2pm

£7

Age guidance: ages 2-8.

This original play for young children uses a rich mix of storytelling, physical theatre, clowning, puppetry and music and song to tell the tale of a puppy’s search for friendship in the wilderness of the Alps. Fun-loving puppy Oskar leaves the snowbound little house on top of the mountain to try to find a friendly animal to play with. But where are all the animals? And why does Oskar have to wait till spring to play his favourite game again? The performance lasts 35 minutes followed by a 10 minute playtime, where the children can meet the performer and play with the animal puppets from the play.

 

London Sinfonietta: Family Concert

Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Friday 1 November, 1.15pm

£8 on the day, £6 in advance

Ages 7-11

Join the world-famous London Sinfonietta as they delve into the mesmerising world of minimalist music in a family concert suitable for children aged 7-11 years, and featuring music by composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Get stuck in with the musicians, make music on the spot, and go home with some new tricks for any budding composers in the family!

 

13 The Musical

St Donats Arts Centre, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan

Friday 1 November, 7pm; Saturday 2 November 2pm and 7pm

Adults £10, children £8

Stage Door One Youth Theatre present this musical about fitting in – and standing out. Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. These are the labels that can last a lifetime. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, (Parade, The Last Five Years, Bridges Of Madison County) this is a high energy musical from a talented and dedicated young cast.

 

The Bear

Richard Burton Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Sunday 3 November, 2pm

£10

Age 3+

Based on the book by Raymond Briggs and adapted for the stage by Pins and Needles Productions, this is a beautifully poignant show for young theatregoers. One night when she’s fast asleep, Tilly is visited by an enormous bear. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared. Join Tilly and her great big white friend on a wild and magical adventure featuring dazzling puppetry, delicious music and dozens of laughs.

We’ve seen this show previously and loved it. Read our of The Bear review here.

 

 

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

New Theatre, Cardiff

Tuesday 5-Sunday 10 November 2019

Evenings 7.30pm; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees 2.30pm

£14.50-£36.50

Age guidance: 8+

Getting rave reviews across the globe, and currently being performed in five continents and 35 countries, Mischief Theatre follow up their multi-award winning successes The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery with Peter Pan Goes Wrong, a comic spin on the JM Barrie classic w

The members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present the much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?

 

 

Drudwen

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November, 7pm; plus Friday 1pm

Age guidance: 7+

Adults £11, children £9, family £28

Circus, movement and music tell the twisting story of the enchantress Drudwen, and the twins she finds in the forest who are not all that they appear to be… Drudwen is a dark modern fairy tale, a magical story of transformation, choice and consequence. With stunning aerial circus, hilarious physical comedy and captivating live music, Drudwen is a feast for the senses, performed in English and Welsh.

Also at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff October 26 and 27, details above.

 

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November; and Monday 2-Tuesday 31 December

Perfect for children aged 3 to 6 and their families, The Ugly Duckling is the Sherman’s show for younger children and their families. Join the Ugly Duckling as they waddle their way through the changing seasons on an exciting journey to a place they can call home, meeting a whole host of charming farmyard friends on the way. Audiences can choose from both English and Welsh language productions. The show will tour Wales during November and January.

 

Wizard of Oz – Ballet Theatre UK

Grand Pavilion Porthcawl

Thursday 14 November, 6.30pm

£10-£18.50

Ballet Theatre UK follow the yellow brick road and discover all the wonders of Oz. Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, (and yes Toto too) as they seek the Wonderful Wizard to find that there’s no place like home. The Wizard of Oz is a two act, full-length, ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum, told through the magic of classical dance. Set to a classical score which brings the story to life, this production is family friendly and is the perfect way to introduce children to the classical ballet.

 

 

Soonchild

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Saturday 16 November, 11am and 3pm

£6.25

Age guidance: 5+

Dig out your snowshoes for an Arctic adventure from Red Earth Theatre, which includes live music, 3D and shadow puppets, creative captioning, integrated sign language and song, and a cosmic Northern Lights show. Set in the Arctic Circle, Soonchild is the story of John and his wife whose baby refuses to be born until she can hear the World Songs. John embarks on a quest to find the songs and save the world, aided by a cool cast of Polar creatures.

 

 

Nativity! The Musical

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 19-Saturday 23 November

Age guidance 5+; no admittance to under 2s

Based on the much-loved film, this feel-good musical features the children of St Bernadette’s School and their attempts to stage a musical version of the nativity. The only trouble is that teacher Mr Maddens has promised a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true. The stage show features favourite musical numbers from the film including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest Star as well as a whole host of new songs.

 

 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Wednesday 20-Friday 22 November, 6.30pm; Saturday 23 November, 11am, 3pm, 6.30pm; Sunday 24 November 11am and 4pm

Ages 3+

Griff Rhys Jones and X Factor winner Matt Terry star in the record-setting Broadway sensation as it heads to Cardiff. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss create the whimsical world of Whoville, while Max the Dog narrates the story of the scheming Grinch whose heart is ‘two sizes too small,’ as he decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly joyful bunch bursting with holiday cheer.

The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming and hilarious musical, based on Dr. Seuss’ hugely popular best-selling books made famous by the film adaptions. The show features the songs You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Welcome Christmas.

 

Orbit: Magic of the Musicals at Christmas

New Theatre, Cardiff

Thursday 21-Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm

Plus Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm
£24-£26

One of Wales’s leading amateur theatre companies celebrates its 50th anniversary with a journey through some of the most magical musicals ever written. Accompanied by the Orbit Orchestra, the cast will present favourite numbers from Oliver!, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Les Miserables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, White Christmas and more in this whistle stop tour of five decades of musicals.

 

Les Misérables

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 26 November-Saturday 4 January

£23-£75

Age 8+; no under 2s

(Limited availability; many shows close to sold out or single tickets only)

One of the world’s most popular musicals, Cameron Mackintosh’s new staging of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Les Misérables has been a Broadway smash hit.

With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House, and many more.

 

 

Cinderella

The Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Thursday 28 November-Saturday 4 January

From £8-£22

Two hours of song, dance, drama and traditional panto fun as the Riverfront presents its family-friendly panto offering, Cinderella. More details to follow.

 

The Snow Queen

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 29 November-Tuesday 31 December

£16-£26, concessions £2 off, under 25s half price

Aimed at children age 7+ and their families, The Snow Queen is the Sherman’s Christmas production for older children. This new adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen classic follows best friends Kay and Gerda. The two have grown up together, played together and lived together. But one day that all changes when Kay is stolen away from Gerda by the sinister Snow Queen. Proving that the bond of true friendship can’t be broken that easily, Gerda sets out on a daring journey to save Kay from the cold-hearted queen.

 

 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – The Film: Live in Concert

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

Saturday 30 November 2pm, Sunday 1 December 2pm, Monday 2 December 10am and 12pm

£10

Age guidance 3+

Watch the hand-drawn animated film adaptation of the bestselling children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which was written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. The film will be accompanied by a live orchestral soundtrack composed and conducted by Stuart Hancock and performed by the Royal Welsh College Chamber Orchestra. Follow the intrepid adventures of siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog, who set off on an expedition in search of bears, determined to ‘catch a big one’.

 

DECEMBER

 

The Scarecrow’s Wedding

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Monday 2 December, 5.30pm, Tuesday 3 December 10am and 1.30pm

Adults £14, children £10

Age guidance 3+

Scamp Theatre present this heart-warming and award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book. Wedding plans for scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are all going smoothly until Harry leaves Betty’s side and the devilishly smooth Reginald Rake tries to take Harry’s place. Will Harry make it back in time to save their special day?

 

 

The Curious Muchness of Stuff and Nonsense

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Thursday 5-Saturday 7 December 7pm, plus Saturday 3pm

Adults £9, children £6

Age guidance: 5+

It’s Wonderland but not as you know it in this re-imagining of Lewis’ Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland presented by Odyssey, Hijinx Theatre’s community group. Dum has lost Dee, the Queen has lost her tarts, and the Hatter’s lost the plot… When Alys follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland, a world of silliness and surprises awaits. Followed by her overprotective mam and faithful cat, Alys discovers the magical delights and darkest depths of a Wonderland full of colourful, comical and curious characters.The Curious Muchness of Stuff and Nonsense features a large cast of disabled and non-disabled performers from Odyssey and Woodlands High School.

 

Aladdin

The Paget Rooms, Penarth

Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December, 7.30pm, Saturday 7 December 1pm and 5pm, Sunday 8 December 1pm

£10-£12

Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) present their annual pantomime. More details to follow.

 

Aladdin

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Friday 6-Monday 30 December

Adults £18.50, children £15.50, family £60

Much-loved Welsh comedian Owen Money stars in this fun-packed panto. More details to follow.

 

 

The Promise of Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 7 December, 3pm

Adults £12-£14, children under 12 £5, 12-16s and over 60s £1 off adult ticket price

A musical journey through the Christmas story with carols and songs, both traditional and modern, plus exciting music from the orchestra. Join with Cambrensis Choir, The Promise of Christmas Youth Choir and the St David’s Praise Choir in a celebration of the birth of Jesus.

 

 

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Monday 2-Tuesday 31 December (also Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November; and touring Wales in November)

Perfect for children aged 3 to 6 and their families, The Ugly Duckling is the Sherman’s show for younger children and their families. Join the Ugly Duckling as they waddle their way through the changing seasons on an exciting journey to a place they can call home, meeting a whole host of charming farmyard friends on the way. Audiences can choose from both English and Welsh language productions. The show will tour Wales during November. Full of enchanting music and playful characters The Ugly Duckling is the perfect heart-warming treat for ages 3 – 6 and their families this Christmas.

 

Cinderella

New Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 7 December-Sunday 12 January

£19.50-£40

Gok Wan stars as Fairy Gokmother in Cinderella, while Mike Doyle and Ceri Dupree play the Ugly Sisters, and Phil Butler performs as Buttons, in this year’s panto offering from the New Theatre. Cinderella will feature laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping special effects, stunning song and dance and plenty of boos and hisses as the classic fairy tale is brought magically to life panto-style.

 

The Nutcracker On Ice

International Conference Centre, Celtic Manor, Newport

Wednesday 11 December-Sunday 5 January

£20.25-£46.13 (show and dinner packages also available)

Age 5+ (no under 2s)

Following sold-out seasons at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and several world tours, The Imperial Ice Stars bring their dazzling production of The Nutcracker on Ice to the UK’s most prestigious new event destination, International Convention Centre Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort. Set against a backdrop of colourful projections, opulent costumes, magic tricks and special effects, the 23-strong cast of World, European and National Championship-level skaters dance to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score on a frozen stage. The new venue seats 1,500 people over two levels and will host 37 performances of The Nutcracker on Ice over the festive period.

 

Santa’s Christmas Countdown

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Wednesday 11 December, 10.30am and 1pm

£8.50, family £30

Age guidance: 2-7 years old

Santa’s Christmas Countdown is a 45-minute, interactive family show featuring Dotty the Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, Jack Frost and Pompom the Penguin as they help to fix Santa’s broken Christmas countdown calendar and retrieve the magical goodies which have disappeared. The interactive show includes musical festive favourites Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and more. After the show each child will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him.

 

Llygoden Yr Eira (Snow Mouse)

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Thursday 12 December, 1.30pm and 4.30pm; Friday 13 December 10am and 1pm

Adults £8, children £7, family £28

Ages 0-5 years

This Welsh language production is an enchanting winter’s tale for the youngest theatre-goers, featuring puppetry, play and music. 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. Produced by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo present in association with the Welsh Drama Society, Swansea.

See here for tour dates around Wales in November and December.

 

A Christmas Concert of Seasonal Music and Carols

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 12 December, 7.30pm

£11-£14

A Christmas concert of seasonal music and carols, in aid of Noah’s Ark Appeal. The evening will feature organist Jane Watts, fanfare trumpeters and the guards brass ensemble of the Welsh Guards, massed choir of staff and friends of NHS Wales, as well as children from a local primary school.

 

Christmas Celebrations

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Friday 13 December, 7.30pm

£15-£43; family one adult and up to two children £15

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales get festive with their popular annual Christmas Celebrations. A selection box of musical treats including Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride; Troika from Lieutenant Kijé by Prokofiev; Trepak from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, plus a singalong medley of Christmas favourites for all the family.

The performance will be recorded for broadcast so although it is suitable for families, it might not be suitable for children unable to sit quietly for the duration

 

Sherlock Holmes and a Festive Case of Mistaken Identity

The Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff

Friday 13 December 6pm, Saturday 14 December 11am and 2pm

Adults £7, children £5, family (2+2) £20, children 3 and under free

It’s December in London and Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr Watson are wrapping presents and ironing their stockings when the phone rings with news of a mystery that needs solving. Expect humour, plenty of interactive elements and a festive twist in this family Christmas show.

 

Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 14 and Monday 16 December, 10.30am and 12.30pm

£8 per person

Featuring songs from Bert’s three popular Tiddly Proms alongside festive favourites, this interactive live musical show is an ideal way to introduce little ones to theatre and live music. Bert is in a festive mood; the Christmas tree is up and he’s wrapped up 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.

 

Red

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 14-Sunday 29 December; performances 10.30am and 4.30pm most days

Age guidance: 7+; no under 2s

£10

A raucous journey to a fairy tale wood where trees whisper, strange creatures lurk and wolves run wild. Meet a dream beaver and three Not Wise Owls under a moon-lit sky. Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, this humorous family show sees a group of unlikely heroes find themselves in an enchanted misadventure with Grandma Red; a raucous old lady on a spirited mission to bring back forgotten stories.

 

Snow White

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Saturday 14 December-Sunday 5 January

£17.50-£20; open weekend £15

Porthcawl’s annual panto is the magical fairy tale of Snow White, with a dastardly villain, a hapless comic and a hilarious panto dame, as well as spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances, and bags of slapstick fun. After the Magic Mirror declares Snow White to be the fairest in all the land, the Wicked Queen is sent into a jealous rage. Will her friends be able to save Snow White from the Queen’s wrath and will they all be able to live happily ever after?

 

 

Cinderella

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December 7.30pm; Saturday 21 December 11am and 2.30pm, Sunday 22 December 2.30pm

Adults £15, concession £12, group of 4 £48

Barry’s Billboard Ensemble present their annual pantomime. Join Cinderella as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her Wicked Stepmother and Ugly Sisters and with the help of the Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Expect a fabulous local cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses in this family-friendly show.

 

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 19-Tuesday 31December-

£9.25-£50, family tickets available

Coppélia

Thursday 19 December, 7pm; Friday 20 December, 2pm and 7pm

This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

The Nutcracker

Saturday 21 December 2pm & 5:30pml Sunday 22 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Monday 23 December 2pm & 7pm; Tuesday 24 December 2pm

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is the most famous of Christmas ballets. When midnight strikes on Christmas Eve, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, 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

Friday 27 December 2pm & 7pm; Saturday 28 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Sunday 29 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Monday 30 December 2pm & 7pm; Tuesday 31 December 2pm

The famous romantic ballet is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

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