Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol at Brighton Dome

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From axe-flinging lumberjacks and a hungry giant to the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Brighton Dome plays host to the very best in family-friendly entertainment this festive season.

Following their popular performance of The Nutcracker last December, Ballet Theatre UK will lead the venue’s season of winter fun as they return to the south-coast for a retelling of Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol (27 – 28 Dec). Bringing a cavalcade of colourful characters vividly to life – from Ebenezer Scrooge to the three ghosts who help him understand the true meaning of Christmas – with stunning sets and costumes to create a Christmas card vision of old London, the performance is the perfect way to get into the joy of dance … and into the Christmas spirit! Along the way there will be laughter and a little heartbreak in this enchanting blend of traditional ballet and captivating theatre, performed to a glorious classical score.

Inspired by the exploits of the first North-American lumberjacks, loggers and farmers, Timber! (2 – 4 Jan) is a joyous, log-balancing, wood-chucking, axe-juggling spectacular from a family of circus performers. Blending circus with theatre, dance, live traditional music and the folklore of their native Quebec, Cirque Alfonse take the audience on a wild ride of gravity-defying acrobatics and thrilling tricks with metal saws, axes and logs all taken from the family farm – you can almost smell the fresh cut pine. It truly is a family affair, as everyone from 66-year-old grandad Alain to two-year-old grandson Arthur take to the stage, alongside three talented and versatile musicians.

Described by The Times as a ‘uniquely flavoursome show’, the production boasts former performers from the world’s most renowned companies including Cirque du Soleil, Cirkus Cirkor and Les 7 Doigts de la Main. Don’t miss this astounding live show packed with phenomenal feats of agility and strength – a truly unique way to celebrate the New Year at Brighton Dome.

Enormous shoes, showers of gold and a big, leafy explosion will abound as Lyngo Theatre bring their trademark blend of fun storytelling and magical imagery to the stage with Jack and the Beanstalk (18 – 21 Dec). When Jack sells his cow for five magic beans, the last place he expects to end up is in a land above the clouds courtesy of an almighty beanstalk. To make matters worse, he has a very hungry giant on his tail. Expect gasps of delight and laughter as the award-winning company present a one man show – starring CBeebies’ very own Patrick Lynch – that brings this classic and gripping fairytale to life in a wholly unique way. Fee fi fo fum … it’s a giant of a show!

For the very young, Octopus Inc have created A Winter’s Trail (14 – 17 Dec); a whole world of new sensations specially designed for babies and their grown-ups to explore and enjoy together, beginning with singing and progressing through a series of installations which create different environments. The crackling of the fire, the swish of autumn leaves and the smell of fresh earth are just some of the delicious sounds and sensations that curious explorers aged 0–2 years will be able to explore, in this hands-on journey through the elements.

Brighton Festival Chorus, Brighton Festival Youth Choir and London Gala Orchestra (14 Dec) will be joined by mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin for their annual concert that celebrates the very best in Christmas and festive music. The Sussex Pistols are set for a right ol’ knees up at the Midwinter Ceilidh (22 Dec) and Footloose Dance Orchestra will whisk you back in time to the 1920s at the ever-popular Brighton Dome Tea Dance (7 Dec).

Quite the selection box of delights … and not an orange fondant in sight! The question is, where to start?

Visit brightondome.org, call
01273 709709 or visit the ticket office on New Road, Brighton, to book tickets.