get festive with brighton open air theatre’s christmas shows

Quite literally Brighton-ing up our pre-Christmas celebrations, Brighton Open Air Theatre is, for the first time ever, performing two one-hour Christmas productions at its outdoor space.

There’s a gorgeously retold version of classic fairytale The Snow Queen, and Hansel and Gretel, a far-less-PG musical deconstruction of the traditional pantomime. The latter also features a rapping dragon, and that alone is a good enough reason to go in our book.

It feels very safe at BOAT as the distanced seating areas are clearly marked out and the brilliant volunteers will lead you and your bubble to your designated space.

Word of warning: it’s December (just in case you hadn’t picked up on that), so it’s likely to be bloody cold and, quite possibly, rainy. And the show goes on whatever the weather!

And, speaking from experience, what feels manageable after five minutes temperature-wise, is not after 30. In short: bring something to sit on, wrap up warm and be prepared! But if you do leave the brolly at home (ahem, who would do that?), you can usually borrow one from the BOAT bar, who also sell soft drinks, alcohol, warming drinks, such as boozy hot chocolate and mulled wine, and snacks. But if you prefer, you can bring your own picnic and booze.

The Snow Queen: 8th – 24th December, 5pm (2pm Sundays); from £8
Hansel and Gretel: 8th – 24th December, 7.30pm (4.30pm Sundays); from £10
brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk