12 Days of Christmas

What's On

Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker at Sadler's Wells
6 Dec 2011 - 22 Jan 2012

Sadler's Wells is the UK's leading dance house, uniquely dedicated to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London audiences. This company is hailed for being committed to producing, commissioning and presenting works of the highest standards and crossing the boundaries between different art forms.

One of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! returns to Sadler's Wells this Christmas to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a limited seven week run. This delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne's trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. Nutcracker! follows Clara's bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross' Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Tchaikovsky's glorious score performed by a live orchestra and Anthony Ward's unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite.

Soho Hotel Screening Rooms and Film Club
Movie Screenings in London of classic Christmas films

A 'club' in name only, hotel guests and members of the public can dine in REFUEL, the hotel's restaurant & bar and then see the 'film of the week'. The movie will vary from a classic to a latest release. A three course lunch, dinner or afternoon tea and the movie costs £35.00 per person. The film starts at 3.30pm.

4th & 18th December - WHITE CHRISTMAS
Bing Crosby stars in this romantic musical comedy from 1954. A failing lodge in the winter town of Vermont is descended upon by two double acts hoping to put on a Christmas show. They also happen to be romantically involved and when they arrive and discover that their former commander, General Waverly is running the show a series of romantic mix-ups add to the drama to save the lodge.

11th & 26th December - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
A law abiding and generous citizen of Bedford Falls is on the verge of being falsely accused of stealing. He's devoted his life to doing good but it seems the local crook has got the better of him. Drastically he contemplates ending his life until an angel visits him and decides to show him what life would be like without him. This is wonderful post war festive film for all the family.

Grayson Perry's exhibition at the British Museum

'This is a memorial to all the anonymous craftsmen that over the centuries have fashioned the manmade wonders of the world…The craftsman's anonymity I find especially resonant in an age of the celebrity artist.'
Grayson Perry RA, Turner Prize winner

Grayson Perry curates an installation of his new works alongside objects made by unknown men and women throughout history from the British Museum's collection. He'll take you to an afterlife conjured from his imaginary world, exploring a range of themes connected with notions of craftsmanship and sacred journeys - from shamanism, magic and holy relics to motorbikes, identity and contemporary culture.

Vases covered in witty captions, elaborate tapestries and the centrepiece, a richly decorated cast iron coffin-ship, will be displayed alongside objects from the past two million years of culture and civilisation. From the first great invention, the hand axe, to a Hello Kitty pilgrim hand-towel, you will discover a reality that is old and new, poetic and factual, and funny as well as grim.

The British Museum even offers an afternoon tea in the spirit of Grayson Perry. Worth every penny!