Category Archives: Music

Family Shows in London this Christmas

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This Christmas I am fully embracing festive shows. With my kids hitting 3 and 5 recently it feels like the ideal time to jump head first into jolly seasonal performances with ballet, music and everything else these magical experiences bring. I’ve highlighted a few favourites below, some which are suitable for all ages, a few which are particularly brilliant for 5+.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, The Coliseum – Thu 11 Dec 2025 – Sun 11 Jan 2026

A classic for good reason, the English National Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker always delivers. The famous score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is brought to life by choreography by Arielle Smith and artistic direction from Aaron S. Watkin. It’s the second year of this spectacular production – I particularly love the fantastical sweetie costumes, sumptuous set details and the always joyful dancing.

Hansel & Gretel, New Wimbledon Theatre – Fri 21 Nov – Sun 23 Nov 2025

This 40 minute show is a brilliant introduction into the beautiful world of ballet. The Let’s All Dance ballet company presents this captivating new ballet, adapted from the original Brothers Grimm fairytale. The show has expressive music and staging, a vibrant retelling of the classic tale. Best of all – it’s suitable for all, but especially recommended for 2-12 year olds and those with special needs.

The Snowman, Peacock Theatre – 22 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026

A Christmas staple! Back for its 28th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs. This familiar story is always enchanting thanks to the Sadler’s Wells team – directed by Bill Alexander featuring music and lyrics by Howard Blake (including the song Walking in the Air), spectacular design by Ruari Murchison, magical lighting by Tim Mitchell, and amazing choreography by Robert North, all of which is accompanied by a live orchestra.

Santa’s North Pole Adventure, New Wimbledon Theatre – Thu 11 Dec – Wed 24 Dec 2025

An enchanting adventure for 3–8 year olds at New Wimbledon Theatre. Get excited for the festive season while helping Santa with his Christmas preparations – expect fun, laughter and plenty of audience participation. Look out for Rudolph and the dancing polar bear and don’t forget your camera to get a photo with the season’s main man!

Paddington the Musical, Savoy Theatre – 11 Nov 2025 – 25 Oct 2026

A brand new musical for the whole family featuring everyone’s favourite bear. This unmissable major new production at the Savoy Theatre is jam-packed with irresistible songs and dazzling choreography. Based on the iconic characters from Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, Paddington The Musical is directed by Luke Sheppard, with original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and book by Olivier Award-winner Jessica Swale.Children 4+ welcome, but particularly recommended for 6 year olds and up.

Calixto Bieito’s Carmen, ENO

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Carmen

It’s always a treat to hear the lilting melodies of Bizet’s Carmen. It was the first opera I performed in as a young child, running through the audience at the Royal Albert Hall to reach the great stage in the round. It is in fact the two sections with the kids chorus that provide the most drama and excitement in Carmen, and I have such fond memories of singing these great verses.

The ENO is currently reviving (for a second time) Calixto Bieito’s production, which was first performed here in 2012. The production is set in Franco’s Spain, a stark contrast to the 18th century setting it was written in. I found it somehow less believable to watch the leading characters navigate the dramatic storyline in this contemporary setting. Alfons Flores’ staging is simple, a few motifs heavily feature – the towering bull silhouette in the final act is perhaps the most memorable. Elsewhere the minimal props add colour and personality to the 1970s look – vintage cars and a battered phonebox are frequently used by the performers on stage.

The vocal performances were varied, I was particularly impressed by Sean Panikkar’s jealous and desperate rendition of Don José. Justina Gringyté showcases a self-assured Carmen, parading confidently across the stage, her vocals were powerful and pleasant to listen to, but I couldn’t fall in love with her, unlike the enamoured soldier’s on stage.

As always the ENO orchestra were on top form, led superbly by Valentina Peleggi. They ensured the favourite tunes soared while letting the singers shine elsewhere with subtle, sensitive playing.

Though this production feels well rehearsed and well suited to the ENO stage, I couldn’t help but miss the more traditional staging, which I feel lets you engage more fully with this French operatic masterpiece.

I was a guest of the ENO. Carmen continues until 27 February 2020, book tickets here.

Three New Musicals to See in London

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I’ve spent the first few months of 2019 catching up on the new musicals showing on the West End. The start of 2019 saw many of the best hits from Broadway come over for a season in Britain, and I’ve rounded up my three favourites to book for a fun night out…

come from away

Come From Away – A touching true tale which documents the stories of the passengers from the diverted planes, who landed in Newfoundland after the 9/11 catastrophe. The music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and the characters are based on real Gander residents as well as some of the 7,000 stranded travellers they housed and fed. The musical is 1 hour and 40 minutes with no interval and is an emotional and uplifting show that engrossed me from the first note to the last.

Waitress

Waitress – The broadway smash hit Waitress premiered on London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre in February 2019. It is the first ever musical on the West End to be written, composed, directed and choreographed by women. The narrative follows Jenna (played by Smash’s lead Katharine McPhee), a waitress and expert pie-maker, who is trying to escape small town life and an abusive marriage. The set and score are fun with a vintage American charm.

9 to 5

9 to 5 – The 9 to 5 Musical by Patricia Resnick is based on the 1980 musical of the same name with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. The musical premiered in LA in September 2008 and opened last month at The Savoy Theatre on the Strand. Dolly herself flew to London for the Gala show to celebrate with the all star cast – starring Louise Redknapp, Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Natalie McQueen, Bonnie Langford and Brian Conley. The story is slightly bizaare, but if you can overlook this you’ll enjoy the upbeat songs sung by a very talented cast.