Ok, we know it's still September and (fingers crossed) we've still got a few more summery days to enjoy.
But, it's just over 15 weeks until Christmas, and with many festive shows and pantos starting well before then, you may want to get booking your tickets now.
Afterall, it just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the theatre, would it?
There's some brilliant shows to choose from here in Leicestershire, so take a look at the selection below......
West Side Story, Curve - Sat, Nov 23 - Sat, Jan 11 2020
In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.
Set in New York City's West Side in 1957, West Side Story is inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet.
With a timeless score including Tonight, America and I Feel Pretty, West Side Story is regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.
Tickets £10 - £49.50.
Click here to book.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Loughborough Town Hall - Nov 23 - Sun, Jan 5 2020
Fee Fi Fo Fum…Loughborough Town Hall is in for some fun...
Dame Trott and her family have been selling ice creams at the annual Luffbra fair for as long as anyone can remember. But when the ginormous giant puts the rent up the family are forced to sell their beloved cow Pat for just a handful of beans.
Can Jack get his head out of the clouds long enough to save the day?
Will this huge adventure take them to new heights?
Can Dame Trott stop life at the fun fair from being so unfair?
Tickets from £16.00 standard, £14.00 concession, £56.00 family.
Click here to book.
Giraffe's Can't Dance, Curve - Mon, Dec 9 - Tue, Dec 31
Many children are sure to have enjoyed reading the brilliant book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, and now Giraffe's Can't Dance is being brought to life on stage.
Gerald the Giraffe longs to go to the great Jungle Dance, but how can he join in when he doesn’t know how to tango or two-step? Everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance!
But, with a little help from a wise and kind cricket, Gerald discovers his rhythm – because sometimes when you’re different, you just need a different song!
The show is perfect for young children, who will be encouraged to dance to their own tune with Gerald the Giraffe and company of five actors playing warthogs, lions, rhinos chimps and, of course, the violin-playing cricket.
Tickets £10-£14.
Click here to book.
Beauty and the Beast, Peepul Enterprise, Leicester - Dec 9 - Dec 26
Peepul Enterprise is set to put on another sensational show, which offers something for everyone. Neil Warner will be returning by popular demand to provide the comedy in his role as “Loopy” and he will be joined by fellow Peepul Players, Iain Dale and Stephanie Hall and a full supporting cast.
Why not enjoy the magic this festive season with this family pantomime?
Tickets £12.50 adult, £9.00 child/concession, £38.00 family.
Click here to book.
Robin Hood, The Little Theatre - Fri, Dec 13 - Sun Jan 5 2020
Deep in the depths of Sherwood Forest lurks an evil Witch. Infuriated by the presence of Robin Hood and his band of faithful followers continuously stomping around her native undergrowth, she makes a deal with the unpopular Sheriff of Nottingham to rid Sherwood of anyone seen wearing Lincoln green.
However, Robin will not desert his true love Maid Marian or fail to respond to the Sheriff’s hostile intentions towards her. ‘Not-Much-Use’ the Miller and his Mum ‘Dame Millie Muffin’, who run the local bakery, join Robin’s band to add plenty of laughs and panto slapstick, no doubt with a few fresh cream cakes thrown in for good measure.
This production promises all the traditional panto pandemonium wrapped up in beautiful costumes and stunning scenery.
Tickets from £15.50 adult, £13.00 child.
Click here to book.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Melton Theatre - Fri, Dec 13 - Sat, Dec 21
A giant of a pantomime is coming to Melton, full of beans and packed with “Fee, Fi, Fo, FUN!”
It's off to the land of the giants we go - but watch out for the giant’s wicked evil henchman Fleshcreep who is helping the giant rule the world and create sadness in the lovely village of Merrymore, where Dame Trott and her poor son Jack our tricked into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of beans.
You're needed to help the magical Fairy Beansprout save the day, boo and hiss the evil Fleshcreep and of course laugh at and cheer on our hero Jack as he tries to rescue the Princess Jill from the cloud land and the evil giant’s castle!
Tickets £14.00 adult, £12.50 concession, £46.00 family.
Click here to book.
Aladdin, De Montfort Hall - Sat, Dec 14 - Sun, Jan 5 2020
You're invited to jump aboard the magic carpet and travel to ancient China to meet our hero, young Aladdin.
His life takes a dramatic turn one day when his long-lost uncle, Abanazar, appears and helps him find an ancient lamp from a cave full of treasure.
Disaster falls as Aladdin becomes trapped in the cave and in despair he rubs his hands – accidentally unleashing the genie within.
As the genie offers to grant Aladdin’s three wishes, he soon finds out that magic wishes are not all they seem.
This traditional family pantomime is full of songs, laughter, fun, baddies, silliness – and lots of custard pies!
It will star X Factor winner Sam Bailey and popstar Antony Costa from Blue, as well as Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter Nathan Connor, BBC Radio Leicester's Martin Ballard, Paul Burling from Britain's Got Talent and magicians Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb.
Tickets from £14.75 adults, £10.75 children under 16, £42 family of four.
Click here to book.
Jack's Giant Adventure, The Y Theatre, Leicester - Sat, Dec 21
Caboodle return to the Y Theatre with another Christmas pantomime, and you're invited to join the adventure as Jack and his mum, Dame Trott, try to come up with enough money to pay the greedy Mr Nick Alott and stop themselves from being evicted.
It promises to be a fun-filled pantomime, with original music and loads of energy. Suitable for pre-school and primary children and their families.
Tickets from £9.25.
Click here to book.
