ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
The Arts at Christmas cont.
Cinema
Although it may not be quite as traditional as live theatre, visiting the cinema for a festive film or performance is becoming increasingly popular, especially when it means being able to see performances that would otherwise be out of reach due to cost or location – or movies that would otherwise not be seen.
NT Live: The Nutcracker // 8 Dec // Connaught Theatre, Worthing
The Royal Ballet’ s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. It is Christmas Eve and Drosselmeyer the magician sweeps young Clara away on a fantasy adventure in which time is suspended, the family living room becomes a great battlefield, and a magical journey takes them through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’ s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal Ballet’ s captivating dancing – including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince – make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience.
Muppets Christmas Carol // 23 & 24 Dec // Connaught Theatre, Worthing
A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during nighttime visitations by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. This film is a favourite with families at this time of year, telling the age old story of Scrooge in a completely accessible way.
It’ s A Wonderful Life // 16-18 Dec // Electric Palace, Hastings
Jimmy Stewart is the owner of a money lending company that for years has been helping people in his town live their dreams. But when one Christmas he has one calamity after another, he decides to take his own life, believing everyone would be better off if he had never lived.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic Christmas treat for the whole family – whether you take to the ice, or choose to watch, rinkside, with a warming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine, you’ ll have a wonderful time. There is nothing quite like a gorgeously decorated and brightly lit ice rink on a winter’ s evening to put the spark of excitement into everyone’ s heart.
Brighton Pavilion Ice Rink // 5 Nov-15 Jan
The backdrop to this ice rink is the former Royal Palace in Brighton, and it really does look spectacular when it is bathed in purple and pink light. There is plenty to eat and drink here, so skaters can replenish their energy levels, and non-skaters can enjoy good food and hot drinks on the restaurant terrace.
Steyne Gardens // Worthing // 11 Nov-27 Feb
A fully covered ice rink means that no matter what the weather ' s like outside, your skating fun won’ t be cut short. This is a true family event with special sessions for those aged under four who want to give ice skating a try; there are also penguin helpers to give everyone a bit of a boost when it comes to the ice! Besides skating, why not indulge in some tasty hot drinks and snacks and really make a day of it at the large food and drink marquee.
Priory Meadow Shopping Centre // Hastings // 25 Nov-2 Jan
Known for being both fun and excellent value for money, the ice rink at the Priory Meadows Shopping Centre in Hastings is well worth a visit. With special festive lighting and snow showers to surprise and delight the skaters, as well as the chance to catch up on your Christmas shopping while you’ re there, this is one rink not to be missed.
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