This December, audiences across the UK can enjoy a festive feast of theatrical entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. A diverse selection of streamed productions is available, ranging from a comedic musical about a famous tax dispute to rock-infused pantomimes and beloved storybook adaptations.
A Sweet Courtroom Battle and Rock 'n' Roll Panto
Leading the line-up is Gigglemug Theatre's "A Jaffa Cake Musical", a jolly and catchy courtroom comedy. The show revisits the 1991 legal dispute between biscuit giant McVitie's and HM Revenue & Customs. The central question was whether the beloved Jaffa Cake should be classified as a cake or a biscuit for VAT purposes, as chocolate biscuits were taxed but cakes were not. The musical's memorable songs promise to be a lingering treat. It is available to stream via Lounges.TV, alongside Gigglemug's other production, Scouts! The Musical.
Meanwhile, Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre is offering a high-energy twist on a classic with its rock 'n' roll panto version of "Beauty and the Beast". Several matinee and evening performances will be live-streamed throughout the month, including a special show on Christmas Eve morning. The production features sing-along tunes from artists like Meat Loaf and Dolly Parton.
Festive Family Favourites and Intriguing New Drama
For traditional panto fans, Nottingham Playhouse continues its commendable practice of offering an online pantomime. This year's offering is "Sleeping Beauty", written and directed by the theatre's artistic director Adam Penford. The production, available from 16 December, boasts a fire-breathing dragon and sees local favourite John Elkington return in the iconic role of the dame.
Younger viewers are catered for with "The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me" from the Unicorn Theatre. This vibrant filmed reading of Roald Dahl's tale features the lively storytelling of Hammed Animashaun, directed by Daniel Bailey. The production is brought to life with chatty puppets, energetic songs, and colourful design.
In a more intimate dramatic vein, "Kevrin, Out of Season" presents an intriguing two-hander by Jack Brownridge-Kelly. The play, filmed at the Burrell Theatre in Truro, follows a young pregnant Cornish woman who moves into a couple's holiday home, slowly revealing the connections between the three characters. It is available to watch on YouTube.
Star Power and Musical Recordings
Audiences can also enjoy performances from well-known faces. John C Reilly's vaudeville show, "What's Not to Love?", captures his irresistible turn as 'Mister Romantic' during its November run at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. An accompanying album features songs from the likes of Irving Berlin and Tom Waits.
For musical theatre enthusiasts, the original London cast recording of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" is now available online. This spirited rock musical, with songs like DOA and Bring on the Monsters, is based on Rick Riordan's popular novels, with a UK tour scheduled for January.
Finally, the BBC's Drama on 3 offers a festive treat with "Guys and Dolls at Christmas". It combines two Damon Runyon stories with Frank Loesser's classic song What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, sung by Jamie Parker, who famously played Sky Masterson a decade ago.
