London Theater - December

[SeenEnough2Judge]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:11pm

Hey All,

I’m going to be in London in December and am starting to buy tickets to shows now. When do they usually announce what new shows are coming in the fall? Also, is there any word on if Benjamin Buttons will extend past August?

Thanks!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:28pm

December in London so far i have tickets for “Paddington” at The Savoy, “Into the Woods” at the Bridge, “All My Sons” with Bryan Cranston at The Wyndhams and the Palladium Panto. 

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:33pm

I have tickets for Paddington and All My Sons.  Hoping there is a Panto going on that interests me. 

[Musigamist]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:44pm

Not previously mentioned, I have "Playboy of the Western World" and the new Sherlock play with ALW/Time Rice Music up in Birmingham booked also.

[Scott19]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:47pm

Some really good stuff on tap for December. We have tickets for All My Sons and Paddington.

Palladium Panto starts December 6. It really is a must. Over-the-top and so entertaining.

Crossing my fingers for a Benjamin Button extension. It wasn’t on my radar last year, but i went on Jordan’s recommendation (thanks Jordan!!). It is such a special musical.

 

 

[two ladies tickets]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 9:08pm

Into the Woods, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong and Paddington for me as well. There is a rumor that the RSC production of Hamlet, set aboard the Titanic, will be transferring to the Barbican in December, I hope it proves to be true.

don't forget the Marie Antoinette exhibition at the V&A 

[Musigamist]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 9:55pm

I can't believe I forgot to mention Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse! 

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/13/25 at 8:50am

Looks like I’ll also be in London for Christmas. Some good recommendations here, thank you!

Just curious re: Paddington.  This was completely off my radar and I’m just curious if people are interested in this because of the IP or if this has the makings of a spectacle. I’m personally not very interested in Paddington, but would certainly give it a go for a holiday extravaganza. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/13/25 at 8:56am

I don’t think anyone is expecting “spectacle” from it, it’s just a beloved property that’s pretty much a guaranteed hit over the holidays.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/13/25 at 9:18am

Got it…they also offer Sunday shows so that’s helpful and opens up a slot for an otherwise show-less day. 

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/24/25 at 5:30pm

Adding to the December list, "End" at the National (also booked "Playboy" at the National, thanks Musigamist!) and "When we are Married" at the Donmar.  "Christmas Day" at the Almeida also looks promising.  Holding for a casting announcement.  

Quick aside: there are lots of shows doing rare Sunday performances (Paddington, All My Sons) as well as various non-traditional matinees.  Not finding too much for Dec 26 (Boxing Day), but the National has shows going as does the panto at the Palladium.

Updated On: 8/24/25 at 05:30 PM

[Angel of Harlem]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 4:41am

They asked what to watch not what are you going to!!

 

why do people do this (“look at me”)!!!!

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 6:24am

Well you seem like a joy to be around.
 

What to watch is fine and how all the posters answered in what they are seeing is fine too. Having been here so long I would take the recommendations t get if they have brought tickets to such and such, I would definitely look into it. 

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 7:07am

Angel of Harlem said: "They asked what to watch not what are you going to!!

why do people do this (“look at me”)!!!!"

It is common practice here that when people ask for recs, others often respond with shows they are seeing.  The fact they have purchased tickets is taken as a recommendation.  It is not a "look at me" moment.

 

[Angel of Harlem]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 9:15am

Don’t be silly - it’s a definite look at me.

ooh look at me I can afford these shoes.

NO ONE CARES

[algy]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 9:19am

The National Theatre is bringing it's adaptation of Ballet Shoes back this Christmas - I saw it earlier in the year and thought it was a really good show as well as being a clever adaptation of the original property. They've done some simplification and a little light updating and the fossil inspired set is just lovely too. I'm really glad to see it back - it's a much better Christmas offer than Hex was there a few years back.

In Panto terms the Palladium panto is back again this year - Nigel Havers, Julian Clary, Catherine Tate and Rob Madge are in the cast. I think various of the smaller theatres are also doing pantomimes, the one I'm most interested in is the Lewisham one - where Susie McKenna is doing Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat as a tribute to Windrush Generation, inspired by (but not starring) her wife Sharon D Clarke's parent's story.

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 12:33pm

Angel of Harlem said: "Don’t be silly - it’s a definite look at me.

ooh look at me I can afford these shoes.

NO ONE CARES"

So you join the board and all of a sudden you're the official arbiter of what is true.  Try again.

 

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 12:47pm

SteveSanders said: "Angel of Harlem said: "Don’t be silly - it’s a definite look at me.

ooh look at me I can afford these shoes.

NO ONE CARES"

So you join the board and all of a sudden you're the official arbiter of what is true. Try again.”

But it’s what they do with their other 4-5 active screen names. Shouldnt come as a shock. 

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/25/25 at 6:41pm

While trying to avoid feeding the troll, I do want to point out how helpful these threads are, especially when it comes to performances outside of New York.  I'm pretty tapped into the NY theater scene, but a lot falls into my blindspot.  I would never have thought to see Paddington, but thanks to people here, I'm actually quite excited about it now!  I'm sure it'll be a nice balm to a matinee performance of an Ivo production  of All My Sons.  

Thanks again for all the recommendations and keep them coming.  Because of the unique Christmas week schedule, there are so many more than usual opportunities to see shows!

[Angel of Harlem]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 7:00am

No offence meant love!

 

anyway - to answer the post I’d suggest- Titanique, Benjamin Button, and Panto at the Palladium is a good shout.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 8:36am

What is the discount situation in London? Are TodayTix and the Leicester Square booth my best bets? or is there an equivalent to TDF or BroadwayBox?

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 9:03am

I like to use London Theater but I always double check the official ticket seller to see if i'm getting a good deal.  Other than that, Whatsonstage is also a good source now and again and of course TKTS.

[inception]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 9:17am

I'm curious as to why you chose over X-mas to visit London.  I looked at a trip to London at that time but after reading different travel blogs & learning how trains and restaurants all shut completely down I decided to look at a different time of year, either Summer or Fall next year. 

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 9:23am

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "What is the discount situation in London?Are TodayTix and theLeicester Square booth my best bets?or is therean equivalent to TDF or BroadwayBox?"

TodayTix and Twickets (the UK equivalent of Theatr app) are my go to sources for London theatre discounts followed by the Leicester Square booth.

 

Updated On: 8/26/25 at 09:23 AM

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 8/26/25 at 9:41am

inception said: "I'm curious as to why you chose over X-mas to visit London. I looked at a trip to London at that time but after reading different travel blogs & learning how trains and restaurants all shut completely down I decided to look at a different time of year, either Summer or Fall next year."

To me, there's nothing quite as special as Christmas in London: the city is decked out in lights, ornaments, and Christmas regalia.  If Christmas is a special holiday for you, spending it in London cranks it up to the next level.  Hotels in particular tend to really go all out, especially the Savoy, the Claridges, (where we'll have Christmas dinner), and the Langham.

While the city does mostly shut down on Christmas Day, everything is  generally up and running by Boxing Day.  Many hotels and select restaurants offer Christmas dinner, so that's really not a problem.  I also much prefer London in the winter months over the summer considering many bars and restaurants do not have AC and tourism in London is at its absolute worst in the summer!  I was just there a couple of months ago and was reminded that I really don't want to go to London in the summer again unless there's a really meaningful reason to be there.

In terms of theater, you'll also find more opportunities to see two shows between Christmas and New Years and certain productions are offering a rare Sunday show.

Hope that helps!

Updated On: 8/26/25 at 09:41 AM