Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

Top 10 Christmas Family Films

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Is there anything better than watching a Christmas film?

The fire is on, your wrapped up in your Christmas blanket, you’ve got your favourite hot chocolate piled high with delicious whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows. This is what Christmas is all about.

We have put together our Top 10 Christmas films for all the family to enjoy, so there will be no more debating about what to watch. If you haven’t seen these films before we can guarantee your in for a treat this Christmas.

Elf (2003)
The story of Buddy, who is raised by Elves in the North Pole. When Buddy finds out that he is a human, he decides to set off on an epic adventure to go and find his biological father in New York.
Elf is a spirited, good natured family comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zoey Deschanel.

Nativity (2009)
Paul Maddens, a primary school teacher who was once a failed actor is the given the task of directing the nativity at St Bernadette’s school. Competing against the posh rival school for the honor of best reviewed show in town.
Paul boasts that his ex-girlfriend who is a Hollywood Producer is coming to see their show. The trouble is he hasn’t spoken to her in years…
Together with Mr Poppy, Mr Maddens and make the nativity a showstopper.
Nativity is a heart- warming tale, starring Martin Freeman and Marc Wooton.

Nativity 2 (2012)
An anxious teacher starts a new job at an under-achieving school and quickly finds himself struggling to cope with a wild classroom assistant, a group of under-performing kids and his own very pregnant wife.
Nativity 2 is the second instalment in the Nativity film series stars David Tennant, Marc Wooton and Paris Ferris.

How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a devious green creature who despises Christmas who lives on his own outside of Whoville. Cindy Lou, a six-year-old girl who believes in the true meaning of Christmas sets out to find out the real reason for the Grinch’s hatred of Christmas.
The Grinch is a hilarious film, that shows the importance of kindness especially at Christmas.

Arthur Christmas (2011)
When Santa’s son Arthur learns that due to a technical fault a little girl’s present has been missed, he sets out on a mission to deliver the present before it’s too late.
Arthur Christmas is a sweet yet inventive film, that combines technology with magical Christmas traditions.

Polar Express (2004)
When a doubting young boy boards a train and embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus… his life will never be the same.
Polar Express is the story of self-discovery starring the voices of Tom Hanks and Josh Hutcherson.

Klaus (2019)
A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it.
Klaus is a brand-new Netflix original Christmas film that focuses on howsmall acts of love and kindness can influence a whole town.

Home Alone (1990)
Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his parents leave for France. At first he is happy to have some peace and quiet, but when thieves try and break into his house, Kevin now has a fight on his hands.
Home Alone will deliver enough laughs through it’s slapstick humor, that is bound to have you laughing out loud.

Muppets Christmas Carol
Scrooge, an old miser who doesn’t care about the joyous season of Christmas is visited by spirits who tell of his future. Will scrooge turn over a new leaf and change his ways?
The Muppets Christmas Carol is a funny, creative and heart-warming story with great songs and memorable characters.

Miracle on 34th Street
A little girl discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about Santa Claus. Her mother told her the secret about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn’t expect to receive the gifts on her Christmas list. After meeting a special department store Santa who’s convinced, he’s the real thing, Susan is given the most wonderful gift of all, something to believe in.
Miracle on 34th Street is a classic family tale starring Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson.

It’s Panto time! Oh no it isn’t. Oh yes it is!

Wednesday, December 4th, 2019

Panto season is fast approaching… oh no it isn’t! Oh yes, it is!

Going to a pantomime is often a child’s first exposure to theatre. They are a great family event to enjoy together during the festive season. A Pantomime has many classic traditions. The main male role is often played by a woman. A Pantomime always has a dame, a man dressed as a woman in an often-eccentric dress with very exaggerated make up. Although the story-lines are classic fairy-tales the jokes are always contemporary, bound to make you laugh your socks off! Audience participation is hugely encouraged during a Pantomime. So, you’ll find yourself easily getting involved amongst all the action. From shouting ‘He’s behind you’, ‘Oh no you’re not’ and booing loudly at the evil characters.
The end of the year simply wouldn’t be complete without going to see a pantomime.

To help you we’ve put together a list of some of our Pantomime picks for 2019.

London Palladium, 7th December – 4th January
If you are looking for a premium Pantomime then the London Palladium is for you. Qdos Entertainment is the world’s biggest pantomime producer. The production this year is Goldilocks and The Three bears starring regular headliners Julian Clary and Paul O Grady. Sophie Issacs stars as the title role who recently starred in ‘Heathers’ (Theatre Royal, Haymarket).

Fairfield Halls, Croydon 10th December – 8th January
After being refurbished the Fairfield Halls has reopened its doors to theatre goers. This year however the story of Cinderella will be held in the brand-new Phoenix Concert Hall. Starring Strictly come Dancing champion Ore Oduba, actor and comedian Tim Vine. It’s one not to be missed.

Churchill Theatre, Bromley 7th December – 5th January
Starring Pantomime royalty, Christopher Biggins as the iconic Widow Twankey. The Churchill theatre presents Aladdin, a classic tale of the ‘magic carpet ride’ that sees Aladdin and Jasmine enter a whole new world. This pantomime is guaranteed to bring plenty of festive magic.

Broadway Theatre, Catford 20th -29th December
With a star cast featuring Soul singing legend Mica Paris as the Fairy Godmother. Broadway Theatre present the tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast. The production features fun dance routines, plenty of jokes, slapstick comedy and heaps of Christmas magic.

We also appreciate that buying Pantomime tickets can be expensive so why not try some cheaper productions where you can still have lots of fun. The Beckenham Theatre Centre are performing Aladdin with tickets just £8! Help support your local amateur theatre group and let them put a smile on your face this Christmas.