'These are the Sheffield Christmas events coming up that you shouldn't miss'
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas....
Is November too soon to be getting in the Christmas spirit?
Not in the Cawthorn household it’s not.
I’m a firm believer that one Bonfire night is out of the way, Christmas begins creeping up and there’s no point in trying to hold back.
I draw a line at getting the tinsel out before the fireworks have gone off though, I must admit.
But with the official Sheffield lights switch-on taking place today (Saturday, November 15), now seems like the perfect time to start filling up our diaries with the festive fun.
And I know we say this a lot, but I do believe it... We are lucky to have so many beautiful theatres with local groups putting on family-friendly shows.
So many cities and regions aren’t anywhere near as fortunate as we are, so let’s make sure we pack them out and give the actors, directors and everyone involved with putting these shows on something to raise a glass to as well.
On that note, I thought I’d share some the shows, events and tidbits that I’m looking forward to going to - and I hope that you’ll be inspired to grab a ticket or two along the way.
First up - let’s take a look at one of the city’s favourite festive events. The Lyceum will this year be showing Nativity: The Musical.
Inspired by the 2009 movie hit, the stage version of the family favourite features all the hits from the film - including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She’s the Brightest Star - along with a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas!
It’s the comic and heartwarming story of the children of St Bernadette’s School and their attempts to stage a nativity to top the annual show by their rivals at Oakmoor, the posh private school that always takes top honours for their Christmas show.
But things get really complicated when teacher Mr Maddens promises that a top Hollywood producer will come to see the St Bernadette’s show and turn it into a film.
Be warned, you’ll have to be quick if you want tickets for this one as it’s only showing between November 17 and 21. They can be booked by visiting: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lyceum
If the interaction fo a pontomime is more your thing, then The Lyceum has you covered there, too.
Cinderella is this year’s show and with an amazing cast including Ore Oduba, (Strictly Champion), CBeebies Superstar Andy Day, Rita Simons(EastEnders and Hollyoaks), and Sheffield Legend Damian Williams, returning for his 19th year.
Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy, and co-produced by Evolution Productions the same award-winning team that brought you the smash-hit pantos Snow White and Aladdin.
As always, the spectacular Lyceum Pantomime promises hilarious family entertainment, packed with theatrical thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets, fabulous music and laugh-out-loud jokes.
You can book tickets for that one, showing between November 28 and January 3, by visiting: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/lyceum
Away from The Lyceum and the intamicy of The Montgomery is another jewel in Sheffield’s theatre crown.
The family fun this year is in the form of much-loved Julia Donaldson tale Stick Man.
Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Stick Man is one for the whole family.
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire.
This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
You can secure your tickets for that one, on between December 5 and January 3, by visiting : www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/stick-man-montgomery/dates
If you’re on the hunt for a show after Christmas to help elongate the festive feeling, then Manor Operatic may have just the thing.
Celebrating their 40th year of pantomime at the City Hall, this year they’re showin gPeter Pan between December 28 and January 10.
Promosing a high-flying Pantomime adventure, a number of dates, and ticket prices are on offer, meaning it could be a great one to get all the family to after the Christmas celebrations are begining to die down a little.
You can book tickets for that oen by visiting: https://www.manoroperatic.com/
Whether you venture out to all of these, a few of them or just one, please make sure to support our thriving theatre scene.
A Steel City Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it.
And remember, if you want more events in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire region tro fill up your calendars, visit The Star’s new What’s On platform at www.thestar.co.uk/events