Our run-down of the best theatre this December

FOR those of you who save your theatre-going for the festive period, you’l be pleased to hear the usual magical sets, falling snow and childhood fantasies reignited are on offer once again this December.

The two shows most synonymous with Christmas – The Snowman and Cinderella – are back and should have those little ones perched intently in their seats for a good couple of hours.

Based on Raymond Briggs’ classic, The Snowman – running at the City’s Peacock Theatre from now until Jan 9 - has become a modern classic, taking children and adults into another world where the cold snap looks a bit more appealing than the reality Londoners have been facing.

The story follows a young boy’s snowman who comes to life and takes him on a magical adventure.

Dancing penguins, reindeer and, obviously, the man in red himself, are some of the festive characters they meet along the way - but they must escape the evil clutched of Jack Frost to make it home in time for Christmas morning.

Just don’t pretend Howard Blake’s ethereal Walking in the Air, performed by a live orchestra, doesn’t have you willing someone to drag you up on stage and sway in the glory of it all with the little guy in the dressing gown.

Legendary choreographer Matthew Borne brings Cinderella to Sadler’s Wells this year, until January 23.

Set in London during the Second World War, a chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz.

A specially commissioned new recording of the score, along with Surround Sound, promises to make this a memorable theatre experience.

For those of you wanting something a little more quirky which will get the family talking head to the Barbican in Silk Street for Flyboy is Alone Again This Christmas.

Through paper cut-outs, a lit up screen and a keyboard, Matthew Robins presents the heart-wrenching tale of Flyboy, half-fly, half-boy, who is on a desperate quest to live a normal life.

The show is suitable for kids aged eight and above and runs until January 2.

For more information see sadlerswells.com and barbican.org.uk.