Get ready to embark on a festive journey through Winchester's vibrant cultural scene this December! From the swing of holiday classics to laugh-out-loud comedy, heartwarming performances, and intriguing live talks, Theatre Royal Winchester offers an array of events to ignite your holiday spirit. Whether you're in the mood for nostalgic melodies, captivating theatre, or simply enjoying a cozy movie night, there's something for everyone. Join us as we explore these exciting events and the remarkable talent behind them, ensuring your December is filled with joy and entertainment.

A Festive Celebration: Winchester's December Delights

Come and have a GANDER at what promises to be an EGGtraordinary show, full of CRACKING gags, original songs and loads of audience participation.

Mother Goose (Livestream)

Theatre Royal Winchester

Performed by a dazzling array of professional singers, and giving a platform to young upcoming local talent, this show is renowned for its charm, warmth and rousing, inclusive style.

Celebrate Voice at Christmas

Enjoy Bridget Jones's Diary - Bridget, a single woman, writes a diary focusing on how she wants to change her life. However, after two romantic encounters, her perspective changes drastically.

Naomi House & Jacksplace Movie Night: Bridget Jones's Diary

Following last year's sell-out performances of Santa's Christmas Wish, Honalee Media are delighted to present their next hit Santa Show this Christmas.

Santa's Christmas Cracker

Due to popular demand, comedians Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson are bringing their special Christmas themed comedy show back to Winchester.

The Scummy Mummies Christmas Show

Join final-year Musical Theatre students from the University of Winchester for a collection of Christmas classics.

In the relaxed bar setting of the theatre atrium, take a trip down memory lane with a selection of yuletide numbers in a swing style.

Jingle Bell Swing

Go from absolute beginner to playing your favourite songs in a matter of weeks.

There's no complicated theory or having to practice scales and things like that.

Ukulele Beginners' Course

Following the success of Crime Viral's sell out UK serial killer tour - research psychologist and psychopathy expert Cheish Merryweather will be bringing to the stage for the very first time - Murder: Staged.

Murder: Staged

Profound and eloquent, epic, haunting and dramatic, Masters of improvisation The Ciderhouse Rebellion sees virtuoso musicians Adam Summerhayes and Murray Grainger combine to produce incredible spontaneous tapestries of sound.

The Ciderhouse Rebellion

Described as "a breath of fresh air on the swing scene" (Twinwood Festival) Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott's London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio.

Swing That Music with Down for the Count All-Stars

You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well.

He's been called an "overnight success" - Even though he's been doing this for bloody yonks!

Chris McCausland: Yonks!

Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson – the man, the music and the magic. 

Michael® Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK's ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman.

Michael starring Ben

Award-winning Reg Meuross was introduced onto the stage of the Albert Hall by Mike Harding as "one of this country's finest" and is a true modern troubadour, representing contemporary English folk writing at its best.

Reg Meuross

Following last year's sell-out Edinburgh run, the self-styled hardest-working beefcakes in alcohol-based infotainment are back… with a brand-new musical extravaganza complete with five free drinks for every audience member!

The Booze-ical

Valli’s unmistakable voice dominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December 63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You and many, many more.

Oh What a Night!

Jamie doesn't quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.

Everyone's Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 was a bumper 5-star review year for Ed. They came in thick and fast alongside outstanding critical acclaim for this exceptionally funny, ‘Best Reviewed Stand Up Show at Edinburgh 2023’ (British Comedy Guide).

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

Capricious, independent and beautiful Bathsheba Everdene inherits and manages her uncle's farm. She is courted by three infatuated suitors: an honest, loyal and capable shepherd; a womanising and charming Sergeant; and a lonely, wealthy farmer.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories' fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Room on the Broom

Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and 'the 42nd best reason to love Britain' (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!).

RAISE THE OOF with John Shuttleworth

With romance novels the highest-grossing fiction in the world and a resurgence in the popularity of Romcoms in the cinema, 'love' is big business in the entertainment industry.

And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, The University of Winchester's Humanities and Social Sciences team are taking a deep dive to find out why this genre remains so appealing and enduring.

For the Love of…

David Knight presents an evening of celebration for the world’s most iconic guitar - the Fender Stratocaster - and the hits that defined its undeniable sound.

Spanning the instrument's most important 5 decades, and featuring music from the likes of Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, Buddy Holly, The Shadows, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd and many more alike, 50 Years of Fender will have the dancers in the aisles and the guitar fans mesmerised.

50 Years of Fender: The Stratocaster Story

Prepare to be mesmerised as Taryn Charles graces the stage in Gone Too Soon, Live channelling the legendary Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin with electrifying performances. Known for her jaw-dropping tributes to music icons like Whitney, Aretha, and Tina Turner, Taryn brings a blend of raw power and soulful emotion that leaves audiences spellbound.

Gone Too Soon Live: The Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston show

With a band made up of some of UK's finest country musicians, Made in Tennessee takes you through the decades of the nation's fastest growing music genre, from Country’s origin in the Southern States of America to modern day Country heard around the world.

Made in Tennessee

Fresh from Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own and Have I Got News For You, Maisie Adam is heading back out on tour with her show Appraisal.

She's five years into her job as a comedian now, so she's due an appraisal.

Join her for the ultimate performance review,  where you'll either see just why she was awarded Best New Act and nominated Best Newcomer… or, you'll see someone who's ready for "organisational restructure".

Maisie Adam: Appraisal

This riotous musical comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr Toad, as they heroically battle to recapture Toad Hall from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders.

The Wind in the Willows

This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from 4 years and upwards, as we put the "Exciting" back into "Science". (See what we did there!)

With fun and fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster!

Exciting Science

Join Nick Stapleton, an expert investigative journalist and presenter of BBC's BAFTA-winning Scam Interceptors, for a revealing evening delving into the world of scams and fraud.

With over a decade of experience unravelling scams and posing undercover, Nick shares essential strategies to keep your money safe.

How to Beat Scammers with TV Expert Nick Stapleton

The latest creation by award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon MBE will revisit favourite moments from the company's repertoire while reflecting the current moment, the present and the continuous movement of time.

She's back! Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long time Radio 2 and Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal and her marvellous band who return with a fabulous new show as ever celebrating the hits and hidden gems of the Great American and British Songbooks, plus contemporary covers and originals.

The Clare Teal Five

The sell out night of wonder packed with award winning comedy, circus tricksters, magical mayhem, international cabaret all stars and madness galore!

Hat Fair Cabaret

The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, led by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival.

Dracula

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.

There's A Monster In Your Show

What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them - so are we fellas of any use at all?

Marcus Brigstocke: Vitruvian Mango

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of her global No 1 bestseller, Kate Mosse is set to thrill audiences anew with her unforgettable one-woman show, Labyrinth Live: Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth.

With theatre at its most dazzling, immersive and dramatic, with music, imagery, and film, she will take us through history and mystery, on an epic journey across the breathtaking landscape of the Languedoc – of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Chartres and the Pyrenees.

Kate Mosse Labyrinth Live: Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth

Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the world of operetta, Merry Opera's brilliant singers, directed by GuidoMartin-Brandis with a witty English translation, promise a night of unforgettable melodies, fizzy frolics and cheeky capers.

Die Fledermaus

Tess is a groundbreaking circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

An ensemble of performers weave together Hardy's words and the extreme physicality of circus to tell this tale of power, loss and endurance.

Tess

This first class celebration to Sir Tom is accompanied by an outstanding band playing two hours of his iconic hits. Live on stage you will witness an award winning impersonation to the main man portrayed by the one and only Mr Andy Wood. Andy has built a massive and impressive reputation entertaining Sir Tom fans around the world for over 35 years. This year Sexbomb: Celebrating the Music of Sir Tom Jones will be jetting off on an exciting two week tour of Australia.

Sexbomb: Celebrating the Music of Sir Tom Jones

An amazing tribute to the music of the smash hit Hollywood musical and film.

Be transported through time as the band recreates the full 80s rock experience.

From Bon Jovi and Guns 'n' Roses to Journey and White Snake.

The Rock of Ages Experience

Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold and funny adventure story for little rebels, by the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin.

Once upon a time in a Viking village, everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing, trees are falling down, and there's lots and lots of crashing and bashing.

Three Little Vikings

Dreamcoat Stars is back for their 3rd UK tour. Bringing incredible live musical entertainment to the nation! Experience the UK's biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert.

Dreamcoat Stars

Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don't you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost!

The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think

The Baddies

Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer to this question, through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend's best man earlier this year.

Josh Berry: Best Man

Acclaimed performance company Platform 4 take you on a sonic journey through the Wonderland of Alice, weaving together original music, Lewis Carroll's text and voices from interviews exploring transformation, identity and growing older.

The Alice Project

Funded by National Lottery through Arts Council England
Co-commissioned by London International Mime Festival, The Point and South Hill Park
Supported by Shoreditch Town Hall and Haringey Council

The Nature of Forgetting

An evening of stand-up comedy with Glenn Moore, Celya AB, Paul McCaffrey and Tom Deacon (MC).

Winchester Comedy Festival: Spring Gala 2025

Calling all lovers of powerful movement and timeless music! BACH Reimagined breathes new life into the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, a legendary composer known for his intricate and beautiful pieces.

BACH Reimagined

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated comedy.

While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Join us for an unforgettable night as the talented young performers of Playmakers Youth Theatre take over the stage with original shows inspired by the timeless works of Shakespeare.

This is a family-friendly evening filled with creativity, energy, and the magic of live theatre.

Playmakers Youth Takeover

Legends of Irish music & song, The Fureys are renowned for their hit songs I will love you, When you were sweet 16, The Green fields of France, The old man, Red rose café, From Clare to here, Her father didn't like me anyway, Leaving Nancy, Steal away and many more.

The Fureys

It sometimes felt as though time had stood still down on the farm - the old Fordson tractor quietly rusting away at the back of the barn, Grandpa tending his chickens - that is, until the summer his grandson came to stay, and the old man started telling stories of what it had been like when he was a boy.

Michael Morpurgo's Farm Boy

The producers of Only One Direction and Harry Styles Tribute present the mesmerising Taylor Swift Tribute.

Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this electrifying show featuring the incredible artist: Xenna.

Taylor Swift Tribute

Chin Music has two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket to intimidate the batter.

Both describe Rich Hall's comedy. Idle but intimidating. Sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational.

Rich Hall: Chin Music

An improvised musical show for kids of all ages, from Olivier Award-winning West End improvisers, The Showstoppers.

If your children could create their very own dream musical – where would they start? The Showstoppers' Kids Show takes your kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from scratch, in front of their very noses. 

The Showstoppers' Kids Show

With fifteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a  critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.


Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success.

The Amazing Bubble Man

Star of Dancing On Ice (ITV), champion of Taskmaster (Channel 4), co-host of Mel Giedroyc's Unforgivable (Dave), regular on QI (BBC) and as seen on The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS) and Would I Lie To You? (BBC).

Lou Sanders: No Kissing in the Bingo Hall

Rossini's Cenerentola - Angelina - gets no help from a fairy wand or glass slipper. Instead, her innate dignity and kindness prove her most powerful allies. While scheming shenanigans swirl around her, she maintains a quiet strength and belief in virtue that ultimately win the day. 

La Cenerentola

Join three friends on a joyful jungle adventure in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee.

The Elmer Adventure

Join me on my Diamond Jubilee lap of honour as I celebrate 60 Glorious Years of fun, laughter and low level disruption!

Marvel! As I offer new insights into the hot topics of the day such as the demise of the SCART lead, The Culture Wars, the differences between crab sticks and rhubarb and the origins of Tirimisu!

Harry Hill: New Bits & Greatest Hits

When Jo Smith arrives for an audition with director Vyvian Jones, it turns out she's actually been invited to the theatre by Vyvian's twin brother Beverley, who wants her to impersonate her own twin sister Fiona, to persuade Vyvian that Beverley hasn't had a fling with Fiona… he has, but doesn't want Vyvian to tell his fiancee Cheryl!

The Comedy of Terrors

Following their five-star show, I, Elizabeth, the award-winning Dyad Productions (A Christmas Carol, Lady Susan, A Room of One's Own, Christmas Gothic, Austen's Women, Female Gothic) return to the Elizabethan era. To the famous and fabulous Elizabethan explorer, sailor, dandy, and warrior, Sir Walter Raleigh. Elizabeth I's favourite and James I's knave.

That Knave, Raleigh

Internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse returns to Theatre Royal Winchester, with its brand-new production Hidden.

Hidden explores conflict, both internal and within society, examining our shared challenges in an increasingly divided world. At times narrative, and at others abstract, Hidden is a powerful blend of artforms. At the cutting edge of live performance and digital integration, gravity-defying choreography, a pulsing soundscape and a shape-shifting set are drawn together by digital projections into a living film.

Hidden

When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?

The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show!

The jumper-loving This Morning star, who keeps popping up on Pointless, QI, Would I Lie To You?, Sunday Brunch, and The One Show, has been burbling and babbling since he was a baby, and in his hilarious new one-man show the award-winning raconteur (and holder of the world record for the longest-ever after-dinner speech - 12 and a half hours!) is trying to work out why.

Gyles Brandreth: Can't Stop Talking

From London's West End, this internationally acclaimed production celebrates the music of Neil Diamond.

From the hits he penned during his time in the Brill Building, to the Jazz Singer and countless live concerts, Neil Diamond is a musical icon, selling over 130 million albums throughout his exceptional career.

It's A Beautiful Noise Show: The definitive tribute to Neil Diamond

Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalist, Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). He uses self-deprecating humour - laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability and sexuality - to reflect on some of the most difficult subjects within his own life and wider society.

Alex Mitchell: Tics towards Puffection

The award-winning smash-hit comedy, as seen in the West End every week since 2022, and heard on BBC Radio 4, comes to you on a strictly limited tour.

The all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed.

Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel

Professor David Olusoga OBE, BAFTA winning film-maker, speaker and author announces his first ever talk at Theatre Royal Winchester

David, a British-Nigerian historian and author, is an expert at examining what history reveals about our contemporary society and as history is now being contested as never before he brings something new and powerful to his talks every time.

David Olusoga

OASIZ are one of the UK's most authentic tribute bands - a point proved in 2023 when a short clip of front man Steve performing as Liam went viral on social media with over half a million views.

Oasiz 2025 UK Tour

A Couple of Swells is the inspired pairing of two unique entertainers - Liza Pulman, songstress, comedienne and one-third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, and virtuoso pianist, songwriter and singer Joe Stilgoe.  

Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells

After being rescued by her twit of a prince she’s ready to start her happy end. But first she’ll have to make friends with a dragon, escape from a tower and set the Prince’s pants on fire with her new fire-breathing bestie.

The Worst Princess

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK's number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute act.

With acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines, The Take That Experience recreate the magic of Take That live on stage with their Greatest Hits Tour.

The Take That Experience

Are you ready for a brand new adventure with Dinosaur Adventure Live?!

When a satellite tasked with controlling the island's weather systems malfunctions, chaos erupts.

The island's tropical climate spirals leading to one Big Jurassic Storm. If not stopped, it will erase all existence of the island… forever!

Dinosaur Adventure Live: The Big Jurassic Storm

In 1985, Dire Straits were at the apex of their career as one of the biggest music brands and concert touring bands in the world. Still today, Mark Knopfler remains one of our most beloved guitarists in modern Rock. Their biggest album, Brothers in Arms, still sits in the top 10 of the best selling albums in chart history.

DS:UK… in Tribute to Dire Straits

Direct from London's West End, MANIA is accepted as the world’s number one ABBA tribute show.

A special concert which celebrates the music of ABBA in a respectful and enjoyable way, this production revives memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves.

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

Is everything a big lie? With no major trauma of his own to draw on for material, apart from the drag of getting older, he also turns his gaze outwards at the joys and follies of contemporary life. Towel Animals? A.I.? Chair Yoga? Cauliflower as a main course? Yes. Yes. Yes. And Yes. No current idiocy is left un-examined.

Ardal O'Hanlon: Not Himself

Join the multi-award-winning comedian as he guides us through family life, his new found fame and the joys of Costco in this hilarious new stand up show.

Theatre Royal Winchester

22 - 29 Dec, 2024

Mother Goose (Livestream)

Jan 10, 2025

Ukulele Beginners' Course

Jan 10, 2025

Murder: Staged

Jan 11, 2025

The Ciderhouse Rebellion

Jan 12, 2025

Swing That Music with Down for the Count All-Stars

22 - 29 Dec, 2024

Mother Goose (Livestream)

Dec 20, 2024

Celebrate Voice at Christmas

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Theatre Royal Winchester