There’s nothing better than a Christmas show to get groups into the festive spirit. Be it a pantomime, a musical or a seasonal production, there is something for all ages
Last year, the London Palladium ran Cinderella – the first pantomime to be produced at the West End theatre for almost 30 years.
It was a roaring success, which shows that pantomimes are still popular, and booking one will sure to be a hit with groups of any age.
But there are also many alternatives to pantos, such as musical spectaculars, variety shows, and cabaret.
We take a look at some of the productions running across the UK this Christmas season that are great for groups.
Musical extravaganzas
Who doesn’t love a good sing-song, especially at Christmas?
Abba fans will love a Great Days Travel Group’s Mamma Mia! Christmas Show Party. Held on a variety of dates and different venues throughout the UK, it transports groups to the 1970s – to the days of glitter and Eurovision when Abba took the world by storm.
An afternoon of fun includes a Mamma Mia! show, optional fancy dress, and a raffle. Groups will enjoy a three-course lunch and a quiz, as well as a disco and Christmas sing-along.
For full details and to book, go to greatdays.co.uk/tour/mamma-mia-christmas-show
For theatregoers, the 2009 Christmas film Nativity! is a new musical adapted for the stage, touring the UK this Christmas.
Opening at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 20 October, the feel-good comedy musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the film and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Tour dates and venues can be found at nativitythemusical.com
Variety shows
The ever-popular Thursford Christmas Spectacular is back from 8 November – 23 December at 1400hrs and again at 1900hrs.
Deemed the largest Christmas show in the country, it is set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 singers, dancers and musicians.
There’s bound to be something for everyone at the three-hour performance that delivers a variety of singing, dancing, and music.
A combination of both much-loved chart toppers alongside traditional carols are included in this fast moving celebration of the festive season.
Go to thursford.com for more information and to book.
From 18 November-23 December, Viva Blackpool is holding its Viva Vegas Live! Christmas Party Night.
Groups will enjoy a pre-show festive meal, before a Vegas style production party night show and after-show party.
Leye D Johns presents the show, which features singers performing party tunes and solo numbers along with the Viva showgirls and dancers to provide energy, sparkle and glamour to the night.
With a range of packages to choose from and group discounts, it’s the perfect festive night out with all the trimmings.
To book, go to vivablackpool.com
The classic
You can’t beat a good old-fashioned panto to make you feel festive.
Following the success of Cinderlla last year, Dick Whittington will be playing at the London Palladium from 9 December-14 January. The star-studded cast includes Julian Clary, Nigel Havers, Elaine Paige, and Ashley Banjo.
Tickets are on sale now and group rates start from £25pp when booked through See Tickets.
Almost every town and city in the UK runs a panto over the Christmas and New Year period so group organisers would be hard-pressed not to find one in their area.
ATG Tickets has lots of group booking incentives and a variety of theatres around the UK to choose from, go to atgtickets.com/pantomimes for more information.
Something different
While keeping it traditional can be a safe option, there are many alternatives that offer a refreshing and different way to get into the Christmas spirit.
The London Cabaret Club is holding its Ultimate Christmas Show, with just a handful of dates left in December.
The show is set to be ‘even bigger and better’ than previous years, and the ‘full-scale spectacular features all your favourite jingles and everything Christmassy’.
Guests can either come for just the show, a three-course meal option or the full VIP package.
Go to thelondoncabaretclub.com for more information.
La Clique Noël will be headlining at the Festival Square Spiegeltent on Lothian Road as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas 2017.
From 17 November to 6 January, the show brings a mix of cabaret, new burlesque, magic, circus and contemporary vaudeville, featuring a scintillating live band.
Edinburgh's Christmas is six-weeks of festive entertainment in the heart of the city, running from 17 November – 7 January.
Further information can be found at edinburghschristmas.com
The Royal Albert Hall is showing The Nutcracker from 28-31 December. The staging has been created especially for the venue with stunning lighting, projection and period costumes, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 70 dancers and a full symphony orchestra.
For more information and to book, go to royalalberthall.com
