FAMILY
Miki
Until 30 December
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead announces the return of its hit
Christmas show Miki, based on the book by Stephen Mackey. Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin live in a very far away place. It’s an icy world where nothing ever grows. One midwinter eve, Miki makes a wish for a tree. It magically appears but is bare and needs some fairy lights and a star. The three friends embark on a magical adventure in search of one. Miki is ‘fun, fresh and emphasises the importance of friendship’ (The Stage). Join this underwater adventure, full of extraordinary puppetry, songs to sing along to and enchanting new friends.
FAMILY
Christmas adventures
Throughout December
Beale Wildlife Park
Prepare to embark on a wild and wonderful Christmas adventure as Beale Wildlife Park gears up for the holiday season. This year’s festival activities promise to be a celebration for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Event highlights include Sata’s Grotto, Meet the Reindeers, Winter Trail, Christmas craft workshops and plenty of festive food and drink.
FAMILY
Wonka Season
2-30 December
Roald Dahl Museum
Celebrate the wondrous winter Wonka season! Head through the chocolate factory gates to enjoy the Museum at Christmas time and celebrate the release of the new Wonka film. Pick up a free Charlie trail, enjoy free storytelling from the book and explore the pop-up chocolate factory. Plus, don’t miss some guided Wonka walks on Friday 29 December.
FILM
Napoleon
Throughout December
Odeon Maidenhead
Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the chequered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.
MUSIC
Dark Side of the Moon
8 December
Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes
Celebrating 50 years since the release of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, the Bristol Ensemble performs a specially-commissioned chamber orchestral arrangement of this iconic album. Dark Side of the Moon sits as a cultural heavyweight of British music and resonates across all sections of society. The album has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and is the 4th best selling album In history.
ART
Christmas Art Market
4 December
Rising Sun Arts Centre
This wonderful, annual festive art market returns once again to put some sparkle into Christmas. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that lovely, handmade Christmas present. They have a wide variety of stalls each year selling crafts, prints, jewellery, festive arts and more. The event is spread across two floors, with festive activities upstairs and stalls downstairs, plus lots of tasty homemade cakes and snacks in the cafe, with the best mulled wine in town.
It’s in front of you
The best pantomimes heading our way this month
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Until 31 December, Corn Exchange Newbury
Rehearsals for this year’s #NewburyPanto, Beauty and the Beast at the Corn Exchange Newbury, have begun, which means the festive season is almost here. There’ll be magic, mayhem and mischief aplenty in this epic adventure, including roaringly funny jokes, beastly amounts of magic, and a hit list of songs.
CINDERELLA
9 December-14 January, MK Theatre
Pantomime legend Brian Conley will lead this year’s panto cast in the magical family favourite Cinderella. The iconic comedian, TV and musical theatre star has a career spanning nearly five decades. He has appeared in award-winning West End musicals and television sitcoms, presented his own chat show, recorded five albums and completed numerous sell out tours of the UK, as well as appearing a record eight times on The Royal Variety Performance and starring in over 35 pantomimes. It’s sure to be a panto to remember.
atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre
ALADDIN
Until 14 January, Theatre Royal Windsor
Make all of your wishes come true and join Windsor’s favourite threesome on a magical (carpet) ride of adventure and fun. Returning for his 10th Windsor pantomime, everyone’s favourite fox Basil Brush is back alongside Windsor favourites Steven Blakeley, Kevin Cruise and Anita Harris. Joining them this year is star of the Real Marigold Hotel Patti Boulaye, plus TV trickster Paul Zenon. Featuring Theatre Royal Windsor’s traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of magic, you won’t want to miss this show.
