YOUR GUIDE TO THIS WEEK IN CULTURE
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Children's Shows Comedy Theatre ThisWeek In London
Three To See 14-20 Nov: Funny Stuff, Panto, Family Stuff, Theatre
By TW Editorial | Published on Friday 10 November 2023
FUNNY STUFF
Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Scary Times | Pleasance Theatre | 14+17 Nov
We’re approaching the middle of dark and frequently dismal November, so in a move that will not surprise regular readers I’m going to kick off the week’s proceedings by talking about funny shows to cheer us all up. First, someone we first met and loved up in Scotland at the Fringe, Glasgow comedian Christopher Macarthur Boyd. You’re going to love him too, book here.
Rosalie Minnitt: Clementine | Soho Theatre | 15-29 Nov (pictured)
Yay, it’s someone else we met and loved at the Fringe, at the 2023 one, in fact, where Rosalie Minnitt performed this very show, a character comedy that our reviewer described as a “massively enjoyable romp into Regency-era womanhood”. Our reviewer wasn’t the only critic to speak well of this fabulous debut, so you’d better believe tickets will be going quickly. Book here.
Connor Burns: Vertigo | Soho Theatre | 16-18 Nov
Well, I thought we should have a look at what else we might see at Soho Theatre this week. And look at that, yet another edfringe success for you to take in. Anyone would think we go to the Edinburgh Fringe each year just to find things to recommend to you during the rest of the year, eh? Anyway, Connor Burns is another brilliant Scottish act, see the venue website here for more.
PANTO TIME
Cinderella | Lyric Hammersmith | 18 Nov-6 Jan
Of course, you know what other thing happens when the days start to get all dark, don’t you? Yes, all the Christmas shows begin. This week a few pantomimes are kicking off and, given TW’s traditional dedication to tipping seasonal stuff, it would be remiss not to mention it. Let’s start with ‘Cinderella’ at the Lyric Hammersmith, written by Vikki Stone. Read more about it here.
Aladdin | Hackney Empire | 18 Nov-31 Dec
Next, over to Hackney Empire for ‘Aladdin’, which I feel may well be on some of your lists already, given the usual involvement of well-loved veteran dame and director Clive Rowe. If it’s not, then maybe put it on the list…? At least for consideration if you can’t see them all and have to narrow it down? Head to the venue website here for more information and to book tickets.
Jack And The Beanstalk | Theatre Royal Stratford East | 18 Nov-6 Jan (pictured)
Finally for this week, it’s ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’ at Stratford East, which sees the titular character attempting to defeat the gruesome Giant Belch and henchwoman Flesh Creep. Find more and book your tickets here. And that’s all in panto this week, but join us next week for two panto-related Q&As if all goes according to my cunning plan.
FAMILY SHOWS
The Night Before Christmas | The Polka Theatre | 18 Nov-14 Jan (pictured)
Of course, there’s another, not secret third thing that we get a lot of when the dark times are upon us: non-panto family shows that are often Christmas themed. I mean, this one is literally called ‘The Night Before Christmas’. Of course, it’s on until 14 Jan, so you could save it for later in the festive season, but you could also see it straight away with tiny tots aged two to six. Click here.
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book | Little Angel Studios | 18 Nov-4 Feb
Ah, ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’. It’s actually kinda one of my favourite books. In that back when my daughter was a little thing, it was her favourite for a time, and I really loved reading it to her. I can’t think that this show will be anything but lovely given the Donaldson/Scheffler inspiration for it, and it features puppetry and fab songs. Find out more here.
La Petite Gerda – Little Gerda And The Queen Of The Snow | Wilton’s Music Hall | 17-18 Nov
Unlike the other two, this one’s only on for a couple of days, so don’t miss it, especially as it’s a sparkly adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. “On Gerda’s epic journey, she meets a real princess, is attacked by robbers, rides on the back of a talking reindeer and a singing crow, and discovers a courage she never knew she had”. Head to the venue website here for more information and to book.
THEATRICAL TREATS
She Stoops To Conquer | Orange Tree Theatre | 18 Nov-13 Jan
Right, time for some grown up theatre for all you people who don’t like Christmas or going to see family shows. Or, you know, want to see other things as well. As you may well have gathered by reading the title of this tip, it’s a staging of an Eighteenth Century classic. This version is relocated to a country house in the 1930s and set at Christmas time, which I entirely approve of. Click here.
The Words Are There | The Hope Theatre | 14-25 Nov (pictured)
“Mick awaits Trish in his seaside bedsit in dreamy Bettystown, Ireland. They’ve agreed to start over again, so it’s party time! Will it be bubbles for a happy ever after or will sparks fly? Amidst childhood falsehoods, Mick sifts through fragmented memories as he struggles to find the words for a very important day”. Another highly acclaimed edfringe success story. Read more about it here.
Venom | Golden Goose Theatre | 14-18 Nov
And finally, a very alluring show from the excellent Emma Burnell, whose work we have definitely tipped previously, that turns the narrative of the Medusa myth on its head. “Medusa used to be a star. From girlhood stage and screen appearances, she grew up to write the ultimate break-up album. She has been castigated, diminished and demonised for it ever since”. Head this way for more.
