The ultimate guide to Christmas 2022 theatre shows in and around Birmingham including the Hippodrome & Rep

Nothing gets you in the festive mood quite like a Christmas show, from hilarious family fun at traditional pantomimes, to sing-along shows and alternative shows for something a little bit different, there’s plenty to see across the city and beyond this holiday season.

We’re heading back to Pantoland this year, with a host of unmissable Christmas shows making a very welcome return.

So get ready to step into Christmas as we’ve rounded-up the top shows coming to a theatre near you to spread some holiday cheer.

Dick Whittington at Birmingham Hippodrome

Roll-up, roll-up, the panto circus is back at Birmingham Hippodrome, and you won’t want to miss it.

With a star-studded cast including Marti Pellow, Brummie panto favourite Matt Slack, and Doreen Tipton, Dick Whittington will run at the Hippodrome from Saturday, December 17, 2022 until Sunday, January 29 2023.

Famed for its extravagant pantomimes, Dick Whittington is set to wow audiences with mesmerising special effects, slapstick comedy and show-stopping stunts for circus performers.

You can book your tickets at the Birmingham Hippodrome website

Dreamgirls at The Alexandra

If pantos aren’t your cup of tea, then there are some great alternative show options to feast your eyes on. The Alexandra is welcoming Dreamgirls to its stage from Tuesday, December 6 until Saturday, December 31.

The West End musical features features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen, I Am Changing and One Night Only. The multi-award winning musical will be a feast for the eyes and ears. You can book tickets at The Alexandra theatre website

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is synonymous with Christmas in the city.

The enchanting show, which attracts an audience from across the country, will run from Saturday, November 19 until Saturday, December 10.

Sir Peter Wright’s classic production of this timeless ballet returns to Birmingham after an extensive rebuild of John Macfarlane’s exquisite sets, funded in large part by generous audience support through the Big Give.

Bringing a sparkle of magic to the Hippodrome this Christmas, The Nutcracker will feature Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers, as they tell the story of Clara as she journeys to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. You can book tickets at the Birmingham Royal Ballet website.

A truly festive season at Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is coming to life this Christmas with a host of festive concerts and performances. The festive season kicks off with a Christmas with Aled and Russell Concert on 2 December, which is going to be a mesmerising performance by the duo.

Other performances running in December include Ex Cathedra 2022/23 Bach, Christmas Oratorio, Lunchtime Christmas Music with The Choir of St John’s Cambridge, The Bootleg Beatles, and a lot more. You can book tickets at the Birmingham Symphony Hall website.

Nativity! The musical at Birmingham REP

NATIVITY! The Musical is returning to Birmingham Rep this Christmas. It;s a feel-good, family-friendly show for that is packed with wit. The show runs from 19 November to 7 January.

A show that’s adored by many, tickets are available here.

The Gruffalo at Birmingham Town Hall

Tall Stories’ new adaptation of The Gruffalo, which blends spoken English, British Sign Language and dynamic visual storytelling from deaf and hearing actors. The live show visits Birmingham Town Hall, a B:Music venue from Tuesday 27 December to Sunday 15 January.

In this musical and magical adaptation of the classic picture book, Tall Stories invites the audience to join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl, and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo… is there?

The Gruffalo is for all children aged 3 and up, and their grown-ups. Tickets cost £14.50 and are available from B:Music website.

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime at The Core Theatre, Solihull

The age old and beloved Beauty and the Beast will be put on at The Core Theatre in a panto. So, get ready for the family-friendly event. Tickets are already available.

The Core will welcome Cinderella, the greatest panto of them all, from December 9 until Monday, January 2, 2023.

For tickets to Beauty and the Beast at The Core Theatre Solihull click here

Christmas Wassail presented by The Crescent Theatre at Highbury Hall

Run mostly by volunteers, The Crescent Theatre has some great shows lined up this Christmas to spread some festive cheer.

December 12 sees the return of the theatre’s popular Christmas Wassail, a festive feast packed with spoken word, music and comedy which will be performed at Highbury Hall in Moseley. For tickets to this special festive production presented by The Crescent Theatre click here

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Sutton Arts Theatre

Another fantastic local theatre is getting well and truly into the Christmas spirit with a production of Robin Hood with a twist. The talented cast and company of Sutton Arts Theatre will be performing this spellbinding show from 3-17 December.

Tickets are on sale now. Click here to book yours.

Christmas Wassail at OldburyREP / Barlow theatre

The OldburyREP is preparing to deck the halls this holiday season. From December 16 to December 18 the theatre will be hosting a Christmas Wassail. January will see the return of OldburyREP’s panto. Aladdin will run from January 13 until January 21.

Tickets for both shows are on sale now!

Cinderella and The Snow Queen at The Blue Orange Theatre

Tucked away on Great Hampton Street, The Blue Orange Theatre has two shows running this Christmas. Cinderella will take flight from November 30 until December 10.

The Blue Orange will also be showing The Snow Queen, which runs from 17-30 December.

Tickets for both productions are on sale from The Blue Orange Theatre website now.

Beauty and the Beast at The Old REP

The old classic is returning to The Old REP this Christmas, with shows running between November and December. Beauty and the Beast, a stage adaptation of the classic tale, is showing from 18 November to 16 December.

Tickets are on sale for all of these fantastic shows now.