A Christmas Carol – various performances
Take your pick from a wealth of productions of this Christmas classic from grandiose perfection at the RSC Stratford to closer-to-home-spun indie magic at the Blue Orange Theatre, historically poignant at our very own Town Hall and fearsome/funky at the Jewellery Quarter’s Coffin Works.

RSC, Stratford: Tickets are already limited so book fast for this most notable of productions of the dazzling Xmas old chestnut. The company has enlisted a Brum-centred creative team including local play-writing legend David Edgar and previous Rep leader Rachel Kavanaugh directing. Quadrophenia star & regular BBC ne’er do-well Phil Davis plays the famous Christmas cursing curmudgeon. Runs until 4 Feb, limited availability. From £35 www.rsc.org.uk

Closer to home and with a host of alternative charms, funky little indie the Blue Orange Theatre offer their own more affordable but still magical version of this moving tale of redemption. Running from the middle to the end of December with plenty of dates/times available. From £11.  www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk

Stepping back in time to 1853 when the famous author himself stood on the very same stage of Birmingham Town Hall and read aloud from his soon to be iconic Christmas story. Accomplished storyteller Clive Francis recreates this moment and brings the characters to life. Sun 17 Dec, 8pm. From £12.50 www.thsh.co.uk The Town Hall/Symphony Hall are also selling tickets for the most spellbinding of festive show spectaculars in the way of the Blue Man Group at The ICC, see our preview here.

And finally, the wild turkey option: Mr Charles Dickens Narrates Another Christmas Carol at The Coffin Works plays heavily on the supernatural elements of the tale with Don’t Go Into The Cellar’s spooky production. The group specialise in recreating outrageous Victorian theatre and have managed to add a seamy sheen of sinister Victorian smog to the great author’s classic Christmas tale. (GL)
Sat 16 Dec 4.30pm & 6.30pm at The Coffin Works, 13-15 Fleet Street, Hockley B3 1JU £10 www.coffinworks.org

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Crescent (pictured).
Immerse yourself in everlasting winter wonderland at The Crescent with their take on C.S. Lewis’ much-loved book as the theatre continues its creative approach to classic stories. Watch out for the pyrotechnic effects and while you’re there make sure to pick up a season brochure – this small venue produces wonderful, grand-scale theatre and deserves supporting all year round. Runs until Sat 16 Dec. £16 www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

Skellig at The Old Joint Stock Theatre & pub
This Tin Robot/OJS adaptation of the beautiful, uplifting and magical story for young adults by the British Author David Almond offers something a little more profound than your average Xmas fayre. Transforming this intimate performance space in an incredible listed building with a magical set, folk music and a story to warm the cockles of even the coldest of hearts. Tickets are moving fast. Wed 20 Dec to Sat 30 Dec 2pm & 7pm. £16 www.oldjointstock.co.uk

Dirty Old Folkers Christmas Panto
Whilst Kings Heath’s Kitchen Garden Cafe is a definite summer highlight, it can also be a warm winter wonderland, and now in it’s tenth year it houses a panto unlike any other. Part performance, part singalong, part plugging of albums for your Christmas gifts. Definitely adults only. Book now for this popular event (several performances already sold out). See our full preview here. Last few tickets for Tue 19 Dec only, 7.30pm, £12.
www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk

The Snow Dragon at The Patrick Centre
One for the younger audiences, this magical and funky little production is an adaptation of the beautiful children’s book from the company who brought us the hit children’s productions of The Snail & The Whale and The Gruffalo. See our full preview here

For more alternative Xmas events featuring festive Apres Ski, film in the cathedral, storytelling, cocktail pop-ups & more, see our feature here.