Today I bring you a stagey gift guide for Christmas for many situations. Like, if you know a person who loves the theatre but are unsure of what to take them to. Or if you received money for Christmas and are unsure of what shows to buy tickets for. Then allow me to recommend you some shows that I’ve seen and loved as of late. Christmas is only NEXT WEEK, guys!

For The Kids/Family

Anything Disney related must be a crowd favourite at this point, no? While I’m one of the many people on earth who have yet to see The Lion King on stage, I can highly recommend Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre. I saw this show for my birthday back in November and I absolutely loved every second. Dean John Wilson is a brilliant Aladdin as well as Trevor Dion Nicholas as The Genie and Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine. Aladdin is pure magic. You can read my review here. There is also Peter Pan at the National Theatre which is also utterly magical. It’s less Disney and more inspired by J.M. Barrie’s original play and novel but also one for the family to enjoy. Peter Pan is currently running until February, so Christmas is the perfect time for a family outing. I also reviewed Peter Pan which you can read here. And there’s the Olivier award winning musical Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre with music by Tim Minchin based on the Roald Dahl novel. I saw this a couple of years ago when I turned 18 and I’m so thrilled that it’s still playing to packed houses and is on it’s way to becoming an instant classic British musical.

For those that want to have a good laugh and feel uplifted.

I have two brilliant musicals for this (slightly longtailed) category. First up is The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales theatre, which is one of my all time favourite musicals. I’m talking top three. Even though the show is written by Matt Stone & Trey Parker (the creators of South Park) and Robert Lopez (one of the creators of Avenue Q – another outrageous musical) the show is really heartwarming as well as being hilarious.

And next up, I have Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Based on the 2003 film with music from Cyndi Lauper and a script from Hairspray’s Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots is a lavish and brilliant musical about being who you want to be. Starring Olivier Award winner Matt Henry as drag queen Lola, you’re in for an absolute treat with his stunning performance.

Jukebox musicals

Definition of a jukebox musical: A musical that uses previously released songs as it’s score. And you can catch two very, very good ones in the West End!

Firstly there’s The Bodyguard at the Dominion Theatre. Based on the 1992 film, the stage show follows the same plot starring Beverley Knight as pop star Rachel Marron. It’s a fantastic production that’s only running at the Dominion Theatre until January 7th so be sure to catch it quick! You can read my full review here.

And secondly, there’s Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre, a fantastic production about the life and career of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. With classic songs such as Oh What A Night & Beggin’, Jersey Boys is a guaranteed fun night out. And unfortunately, the show is closing in March so be sure to grab a ticket before it leaves the West End!

Modern Classics

First up I have Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre for this section. Now the show is officially opening in London tonight but it has taken 35 years to open in London and already has a precessing reputation! With powerful vocals from Amber Riley and Casey Nicholaw’s incredible direction and choreography, Dreamgirls is not one to miss! You can read my full review here.

Next up I have Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre which recently celebrated 10 years since it first opened in the West End. Wicked has a massive following and deservedly so. Based on Gregory Maguire’s best selling novel with incredible music from Stephen Schwartz and two incredible leading ladies, what’s not to love! It’s a fan favourite and I’m sure will run in the West End for a long, long time.

And I can’t finish this post without recommending my absolute favourite show on earth. And that is Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre. Les Miserables covers all bases in terms of genre. There’s action, there’s romance, there’s the thrill factor you get when the barricade first comes onto the stage. The London production is the longest running musical in the world and has an incredible score. Les Miserables is also a fan favourite and is sure to be running in London forever. See what all the fuss is about!

Hope you enjoyed my gift guide! Let me know if you’ve seen any of the shows above?

Until next time,