The Christmas lights are out, so the season of Nutcrackers must be upon us. There are also several seasonal shows for younger people, or simply those who are young at heart, ranging from the exciting Mojo by Theatre Rites to the annual return of The Snowman. Unlike last year's clustering of Cinderellas, this year all of the ballet companies seem to have settled on performing the same show. Nutcracker ahoy!

I've never seen any of these shows so I can't comment on any of them; below is a list of all of the seasonal dance shows available over the next six weeks.


Nutcrackers


3 Dec - 18 January: Royal Ballet
Royal Opera House
Tickets & details: www.roh.org.uk/whatson/production.aspx?pid=16899


6 Dec - 22 Jan: Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!
Sadler's Wells
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/New-Adventures-Matthew-Bournes-Nutcracker


8 - 30 Dec: English National Ballet
The Coliseum
Tickets & details: www.eno.org/see-whats-on/productions/production-page.php?&itemid=1437

As featured in BBC's Agony & Ecstasy, this is the new production choreographed by Wayne Eagling, and is quite possibly the only Nutcracker featuring a giant balloon.


27 - 30 Dec: Birmingham Royal Ballet
The O2
Tickets & details: www.brb.org.uk/masque/index.htm?act=WhatsOn&urn=119&tsk=show

For those seeking a Nutcracker with a difference, or that arena feel... Joe McElderry will be opening the show, performing songs from his latest album.


For children (and grownup children)


30 Nov - 8 Jan: The Snowman, by Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Sadler's Wells
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/The-Snowman-2011


13 - 31 Dec: BOING! — Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic
Sadler's Wells
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/Travelling-Light-and-Bristol-Old-Vic-BOING

A children's dance theatre show about the excitement of waiting for Santa.


16 - 31 Dec: Theatre Rites' 'Mojo'.
Barbican Centre
Tickets & details: www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=12503

Choreographed by the renowned Arthur Pita, for children. "Particularly suited to those aged over five and inquisitive adults".

Theatre Rites specialises in creating theatre for younger audiences, using performance, installation, puppetry, music, video and sound to create unforgettable performances.