Christmassy theatre/shows London

[DisgruntledGuineaPig]

The last 2 years, the local panto has been frankly terrible, yet expensive. So as we are close enough to London to pop in for the day, is there any Christmassy shows/theatre trips for children (DCs are 9 and 6) that would be a good alternative for one of the afternoons between Christmas and New Year? (Ideally not ruinously expensive - was tempted by the Circus 1903 until saw that the tickets available for the dates we could do were £150 each... thinking in the same ball park cost wise as our local panto, that set us back £45 each last year to be terrible.)

London theatre big shows are generally v expensive, even in (August) kids’ theatre week.

Smaller shows tend to be low budget and this shows in sets etc.

I’m looking for Panto recommendations too. The one at the London palladium will be good but expensive.
There’s elf the musical, Christmas carol at the old vic is good, I managed to get £10 tickets last year.

What about The Snowman? Or would the 9 year old think it is too babyish? Early bird tickets are £22 if you book via Sadlers Wells. The Peacock Theatre is near Covent Garden or the Somerset House ice rink so you could combine it for a big day out.

www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2019/the-snowman/

The Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge is good for Xmas shows. We have been to the Velveteen Rabbit there and last year was a re telling of Grimm’s fairy tales which was really funny. The theatre is quite small so you get a good view of the stage plus the prices are reasonable. Last year was £80 for 4 of us. You can also donate an amount for a free ticket that they give to kids who live in poverty. I looked at the Circus 1903 and it would have been £400 for 4 tickets plus I have read some reviews which say it’s a bit boring.

Good suggestions, thank you! I think the snowman might be a winner.

I would second the snowman - if you sign up they often do 2for 1 on a weeknight evening before Christmas. DS saw it twice & we both loved it.
Otherwise perhaps instead of a show do a London day inc bus at night round Piccadilly with all the gorgeous lights on plus something different like London Eye or the Emirates zip thing or Covent Garden really near Christmas I think is lovely as does DS (now 11)

Also look at TodayTix they can be pretty good for deals