Festive Theatre Guide

Crown Ballet comes to Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe to enchant audiences with their delightful production of 'The Nutcracker'. This family-friendly ballet is the ultimate fairy-tale where goodness and beauty triumph. This eternal seasonal favourite will be an unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet.

Tickets are £30 for adults, £28 for concessions and £24 for children. Book online at https://thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion/event/view/177291

Dark forests, tall towers and more than a little magic is in store with Eastern Angles' Christmas production of Rumpelstiltskin, on stage at Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich.

A father says his daughter can spin straw into gold – but is it the truth that’s being told? Eastern Angles give new life to a classic fairytale. With the winning team of Kevin Dyer & Patrick Dineen (from last year’s Little Red) behind the show, you can expect some energetic music and a little audience participation too!

Tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for children 12 and under. Book online at https://easternangles.co.uk/event/rumplestiltskin

A huge variety of dance numbers with enough energy to light up Suffolk, a stunning stage set with thousands of twinkling lights and a generous sprinkling of stage magic make this the perfect family show.    

A cast of almost 100 with 800 costumes and more than a sprinkling of stage magic raise the roof in a two-hour celebration of what makes Christmas so special. 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the Co-op Juniors entertaining Suffolk, so expect some surprises in this year’s ultimate festive extravaganza – the 18th year at Snape Maltings!

Book online at https://brittenpearsarts.org/events/christmas-spectacular-2023

Join Red Rose Theatre Company this Christmas as they delve into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter, to tell The Tale of Mr Tod!

When the troublesome Tommy Brock kidnaps poor Flopsy’s children to make them into rabbit stew, it’s up to Benjamin and Peter Rabbit to save them! Down a forest path filled with song, dance and adventure, you’ll meet a whole host of beloved characters, from Mrs Tiggywinkle to the most villainous fox of all… Mr Tod! But will they escape Tod’s clutches, and get the children home in time for Christmas?

Tickets are £28 for adults, £25 for over 65s, £12 for students and under 16s, £12 for disabled and their carers and £12 for those on benefit/tax credit concession. Book online at https://www.redrosechain.com/the-tale-of-mr-tod/details

East Point Pavilion welcomes Loddon Brass Band, playing all your favourites and some new music as well as all the Christmas classics. 

The Pavilion's food and drink traders will be open too, serving up an array of delicious street food and festive drinks to enjoy during the concert.

Tickets are £9, book online at https://www.eastpointpavilion.com/events/christmas-classics-with-loddon-brass-band

Beware, for on a Christmas night, there is no telling what’s out there prowling in the dark and snow!

In the hall of Dr Hemlock’s country house the goose is cooking and the port is flowing so the guests decide to pass the night by telling Christmas ghost stories…

Join Raconteur Theatre Company at East Point Pavilion for Fright Christmas, an evening of terrifying tales from the mind of acclaimed local playwright Richard Melchior featuring four brand-new spine-chilling Yuletide stories of ghosts, monsters and terrible tidings.  

Tickets are £10, book online at https://www.eastpointpavilion.com/events/fright-christmas

Join the hero Aladdin at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft as he heads on a journey of a lifetime as he soars through the skies in his quest for fortune and true love.

Leading the cast in the title role will be Anthony Sahota, who shot to recognition in the BBC talent competition Let it Shine, Lowestoft’s favourite Terry Gleed as Wishy Washy and back by popular demand Alexander Lee as Abanaza – who previously wowed audiences as Fleshcreep in Jack & the Beanstalk. Completing the principle cast, actress Mia Longman will play the princess.

Tickets are from £23 for adults and £21 for children. Book online at https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/aladdin-panto/

Walpole Old Chapel's annual service of carols and readings by candlelight is a unique experience in this intimate and historic building in the village of Walpole near Halesworth.

After the service, enjoy mulled, spiced apple juice and mince pies. The Chapel is unheated (apart from the body heat of over a hundred people), so wrap up warm!

Free entry and no booking required. Find out more at https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/things-to-do/events/carols-and-readings-by-candlelight

East Point Pavilion welcomes European Arts and John O'Connor as he performs 'A Christmas Carol' just as Charles Dickens would have in the mid 1800s.

This Christmas, you can experience what it must have been like to be in the audience! Come and enjoy a seasonal treat in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £9 for children. Book online at https://www.eastpointpavilion.com/events/a-christmas-carol-by-mr-charles-dickens

Aladdin at The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe - 22 December 2023 - 1 January 2024

In this captivating pantomime at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion, Aladdin dreams of marrying Princess Jasmine, a beautiful and well-connected woman. Deceived by the cunning magician Abanazar, Aladdin unwittingly aids in the quest for a magic lamp hidden in a secluded hillside cavern.

Trapped with plastic jewels and a worn-out lamp, Aladdin's family eagerly anticipates wealth. The true adventure unfolds when Aladdin rubs the lamp, sparking a quest for fame, fortune, and the princess's affection. With the audience's help, Aladdin must outsmart the wicked magician to make his wishes come true.

Tickets are from £20 for adults, £22 for concessions and from £10 for children under 16. Book online https://thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion/event/view/181487

Experience The Snowman on a big screen accompanied by a live orchestra in the atmospheric surroundings of Snape Maltings Concert Hall - Festive magic for the whole family!

Sit back and relax whilst you enjoy a journey through the magic of winter, featuring the professional artists of the Suffolk Ensemble and a chorus of talented young singers. A wonderful festive performance for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets are £15 and £7.50 for under 30s. Book online at https://brittenpearsarts.org/events/the-snowman