It’s that time of the year again (oh no it isn’t…) so we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly performances that are taking to stages across the county this month
1 DECEMBER
ONCE UPON A PRINCESS
Can you help Fairy Muddled match the princesses with their one true love in this Christmas sing-a-long. Performances 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Barrington Theatre, Ferndown 01202 894858
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3 DECEMBER
THE NUTCRACKER
The Russian State Ballet and Opera House perform Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic - a magical introduction to the ballet. Weymouth Pavilion 01305 783225
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7 DECEMBER - 5 JANUARY
ALADDIN
Climb aboard the magic carpet with Aladdin, starring BBC EastEnders Richard Blackwood as Abanazar, The X Factor's Amelia Lily as Spirit of the Ring and Noel Brodie as Wishee Washee. Bournemouth Pavilion 0300 500 0595
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10 - 24 DECEMBER
CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS
Festive family fun (suitable for 3-10 year-olds) as Jessie's Dad lays a secret advent trail for her to follow to an intriguing Christmas present. Sherling Studio, Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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12 DECEMBER - 5 JANUARY
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan plays his first ever Dame in this engaging family panto about a boy and some magic beans. Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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13 - 15 DECEMBER
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dave Mynne combines Dickens' original words with his own anarchic comedy in a mesmerising one-man performance. Starts 7.30pm, suitable 8+. 13 Dec: Sixpenny Handley Village Hall (VH) 07786 790349; 14 Dec: Shipton Gorge VH 01308 897407; 15 Dec: Portman Hall, Shillingstone 01258 860319
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14 - 31 DECEMBER
CINDERELLA
Cinders is on a mission to make her dreams come true, will her fab¬u¬lous Fairy Godmother, played by the legendary Lee Redwood, get her to the ball in style? Weymouth Pavilion 01305 783225
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14 DECEMBER
POLAR EXPRESS PYJAMA PARTY
A special screening of a Christmas tale about a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate served by singing waiters on The Polar Express at 2pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis 01297 442138
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FRIDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 14 DECEMBER
WINTER LIGHTS AT CORFE CASTLE
After sunset Corfe Castle is lit by lanterns, beacons and braziers. Join the Lord of Misrule, the Castle's very own 17th-century mischief-maker, for stories and games as you journey through the castle ruins. Open until 7pm, weather permitting. nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
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15 DECEMBER
THE CHRISTMASSY CHRISTMAS SHOW
Squashbox Theatre's spectacular celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees to fairy lights and presents to puddings. Performances 2pm & 4pm. Dorchester Corn Exchange 01305 266926
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18- 24 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
With sparkling production numbers and a heart-warming festive story The Glad Rag Production Company create a Christmas treat for all the family at the Regent, Christchurch. Box office 01202 499199
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20 DECEMBER
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
Forest Forge Theatre and Bumblefly Theatre perform this classic story for the festive season, filled with mad-cap humour and a sprinkling of magic. Performances 6.30pm & 9pm. Booking essential 01425 480811 moors-valley.co.uk
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20 - 21 DECEMBER
HANSEL & GRETEL
Choreographer Vicki Igbokwe weaves New York club styles with African and Contemporary dance in a modern retelling of this fairytale. Suitable for 5+, 1pm & 6pm. Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth 01202 203630
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20 DECEMBER - 5 JANUARY
DICK WHITTINGTON
The rags-to-riches tale of a Wimborne lad who, with his feline friend, takes on Queen Rat, the dastardly Duchess of the Drains. Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 01202 885566
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28 - 31 DECEMBER
PUPPET PANTO
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company have invited a bunch of puppets on an hilarious adventure full of mishaps, comedy and song. Performances at 11am & 2pm. Electric Palance, Bridport 01308 424901
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