Christmas is a very nostalgic time of year for me. Masses of memories flood back to me and remind me of the time spent with family, friends or myself at the theatre. That feeling of stepping into a warm theatre with rosy cheeks and frosted fingers, awaiting a drink to warm up the insides is somewhat of a feeling of comfort and home.

I’m going to give you the rundown of some of the best performances and where to find them in The Wire’s guide to Christmas.

I hope I can persuade you to go to the theatre this Christmas. Grab a mate, grab a bevvy and grab a seat in one of the following performances.

Let’s get started!

Royal Court:

THE SCOUSE DICK WHITTINGTON

The popular Scouse Dick Whittington is back this Christmas, running from the 27th November to the 27th January 2024. This hilarious spin on classic folklore will have you bouncing in your seat. This is definitely for adults, so leave the kiddies at home with the in-laws!

ROYAL COURT STOCKING FILLERS

The Royal Court are also putting on another jolly show this Christmas. Following the success of last year’s show, The Royal Court Studio are bringing Stocking Fillers back. This time with seven brand new ten-minute festive plays. With a mixture of comedy and drama, these short plays will have up and down like Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. The short plays have been written by members of the Royal Court’s writing groups and will be performed by professional

The shows are as follows:

Jacqui Dunne - Christmas Delivery

Liam Gillies - Donkey Show

Janine Hammond - The Half Angel

Michael Hartless - Mother of Jesus

Ste Mc - The Face of Christmas

Stewart McDonald - Christmas is for Kids

David Sindall - Last Christmas.

Studio Three: Arts Bar

The Last Christmas

Date: 1st December

Time: 8:00PM

Venue: Studio Three, Arts Bar, Hope street.

Christmas time is the most wonderful time of year, a time for giving, sharing love and of course, great food! But doesn’t it feel like the Christmas spirit is beginning to fade? Find out how the negativity and hate in the world all year round effects the very beings that make Christmas exist (and yes I am talking about Santa and his Elves), a story that explores what happens to these festive characters when the Christmas spirit fades more and more. Will Santa keep his faith in the world and continue to give every year or will something be the final straw for him and his crew making this The Last Christmas…

Competent Christmas Crackers

Sunday December 10th, 7:30pm

Tickets: £8.00 / £6.50 student

Venue: Studio Three, Arts Bar Hope Street

On a white Christmas Eve in heaven, singing sensation Bing Crosby (yes, Bing Crosby) introduces three darkly comic yuletide tales, each by a different writer.

In 'Joy!' by Hannah Roze Lewis, a lonely cleaner makes the best of a Christmas spent with only her mops for company. In 'The Night Before' by Daniel McCreanor, two apocalypse survivors have their faith tested on Christmas Eve, 2049. And in Daniel Henry's 'Santa Paws', a hapless garden centre employee sees a chance to step into Santa's shoes...

'Competent Christmas Crackers' is the first ever Christmas anthology show from Competent Productions. Featuring a varied selection of brand-new pieces and a sprinkling of Crosby crooning, this unique fringe theatre offering will be sure to make your day both merry AND bright! Do book ahead to avoid disappointment - this show is for one night only!

Hope Street Theatre

The Scouse Genie

City Theatre are back again with the adult pantomime of Aladdin. However, being City Theatre you must expect some twists and turns. This comes in the form of a Liverpudlian genie with wishes galore. This is another to book the babysitter in for. The show will run the 28th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023.

Dick Whitington

a purrrrrfect panto will reside at Hope Street Theatre. Dick Whittington will run the 14th December - 31st December 2023. Panto dame favourite, John Garfield-Roberts will serve up a dishy performance, along with other local stars.

The Studio Below

Christmas Below - Open Mic Acoustic

Date: 14th December

They are to host Christmas Below, showcasing live music from Laura Smith, Mick Francis, Jade Dyas, Sinead Renae, Jordan Barkley, Sophie Ekins and Ian Barrie. Following this, there will also be a glorious open night. So roll up your sleeves, warm up those pipes and get involved. Start prepping a rendition of Santa Baby or whatever gets your bells jingling! This will take place on the 14th December, 7pm-11pm.

The Studio Below will also have a spoken word evening on the 15th December at 7pm. I trust that the words will be delivered on a Christmas Platter, which just so happens to be the name of the gig.

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Wind In The Willow

The timeless classic, The Wind in the Willows is being brought to life at Shakespeare North Playhouse this Winter. The tale of friendship, courage, consequences and bravery reveals a thrilling journey like no other. This is one for the whole family that will definitely encourage the Christmas spirit to get fired up!

Ghost Stories For Christmas

After a  successful run last year, which was literally sold out, this December 2023, Artsgroupie (the Producers of Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse, A Portrait of William Roscoe and The Signalman) will chill the air with a selection of ghost stories for Christmas.

Eveyman & Playhouse

The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back, and this year we’re telling the story of Cinderella. Written by Liverpool writer Luke Barnes and runs from 17 November 2023 to 20 January 2024.

There you have it, The Wires’ Guide to Christmas. That’s it from us. Have a Merry Christmas and we’ll be back in the New Year.

*Please note this article will be updated regularly. *

Compiled by, Grace Morrison