What better way to celebrate Christmas than with a trip to the Christmas markets (Every. Single. Year.) and watch a live Christmas show? We’re recommending 3 Manchester shows coming up in December 2022 for Mancunian folk – each varied, but equally deserving of your time with the family!
A HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS
Our first choice is a bit limited in the number of performances, but consider this “exclusive” and make sure you don’t miss out! Read here for more information!
20th December Manchester The Bridgewater Hall, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Tickets from £20-£33.50
Review Score
Out of 10:
THE MAN WHO WANTED TO BE A PENGUIN
A bit more subtle and maybe for a younger audience this time but thoroughly charming. The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is the story of an extraordinary explorer, a curious conjurer and pioneering problem-solver. Families can see him pottering in his shed, planning his latest mission and can even learning to speak Penguin! With a playful energy and a mix of puppetry, music and song, this show is a delightful celebration of wild creativity and the joy of individuality.
Review Score
This original production gave me plenty of Wallace and Gromit feelings; quintessentially British, with some slapstick comedy in between, an inventor sets off on an adventure to the Antarctic meeting plenty of colourful characters along the way. And I can confirm… There ARE penguins in this Christmas show!
Out of 10:
Playing at Waterside Arts Centre from 30th November to 31st December 2022
Concession tickets are available for low-income families, ensuring as many people as possible are able to experience a fun trip out over the festive period.
ROBIN HOOD: THE 80’S PANTO
Finally, if you want a traditional pantomime for all the family this is exactly what you’re looking for! Set slap bang in the middle of the 80’s it is full of nostalgia – it’s what Christmas is all about! Contact Theatre joins forces once again with eight freestyle productions. It’s a fresh twist on the traditional, combining The Adventures of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood with an upbeat, sing-along, 80’s panto playlist! eight-freestyle‘s Robin Hood is a story of courage, friendship and bad puns. There’ll be plenty of laughs along the way as Robin joins forces with Maid Marion to thwart the Sheriff of Nottingham’s evil plans to kidnap the young Babes. This is a show that has it all: adventure, action, laughs, music, magic and men with mullets!
Review Score
We felt very lucky to see this Christmas show – a fantastic, high quality production full of festive nostalgia and laughs throughout! The only thing missing is a celebrity cameo but you’d be hard-pushed to find a better panto this year. Great fun and we can vouch this is appropriate for all ages.
Out of 10:
At Contact Theatre, Manchester – from 10th to 31st December 2022.
