by Saoirse Anton

The place is awash with twinkly lights, Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey’s voices are drifting through every speaker, and every coffee break is made better by a mince pie or festive chocolate. ‘Tis the season for Christmas parties, get-togethers with friends who are home for the holidays, and of course some frantic last-minute preparations for Christmas day.

December is a busy month but if you find some time to make it to the theatre, whether for a family outing, a work Christmas party, or a solo trip to escape the flurry of festive activity, December has plenty to offer on Ireland’s stages! Read on for a few of my recommendations.

Emma

Revisiting a literary classic is always one of my go-to festive activities. I love to snuggle down by the fire and get lost in a book for an evening. This December why not enjoy a twist on a classic with the Abbey Theatre’s production of Emma, adapted by Kate Hamill and directed by Claire O’Reilly. Described as a “ripping the bodice of tradition” with a “period-but playful retelling retelling of this classic comedy of manners,” this production is sure to be a delight.

Emma runs at the Abbey Theatre until 25 January 2025

The Borrowers

Looking for a family evening out? Look no further than The Gate Theatre for their adaptation of Mary Norton’s classic children’s novel, The Borrowers. Adapted by Charles Way, featuring songs by Fionn Foley, and directed by Róisín McBrinn, this production promises big adventures and lots of fun!

The Borrowers runs at the Gate Theatre until 12th January 2025

A Christmas Visit

Christmas is a time for reunions, and after a successful run in 2023, Stewart Roche’s A Christmas Visit returns to the stage at Bewleys Café Theatre this December. A heartwarming story about missed opportunities, second chances and self-discovery, A Christmas visit looks set to be a moving and engaging production to enjoy on your lunch break.

A Christmas Visit runs at Bewleys Café Theatre until 21st December

A Christmas Carol

Another adaptation of a classic novel, perhaps there’s an accidental theme to this column! But I couldn’t write a list of December recommendations without including  A Christmas Carol. Dickens’ tale of ghosts, greed and lessons learned will always be a steadfast festive favourite and this production at the Viking Theatre is sure to be no different!

A Christmas Carol runs at The Viking Theatre until 23rd December

Pantomime

Would it really be Christmas without a pantomime? Oh yes it would! Oh no it wouldn’t! Oh…I should stop this joke right now.

I’m not recommending any particular pantomime, because the best panto is often your local panto! Head along and support your local venues this Christmas, and enjoy some festive fun in the process.

Carol Concerts

Another festive staple, carol concerts are a perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Whether it’s a school choir in the local community centre or a grand affair like Candlelit Carols at the National Concert Hall or the Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert at the Everyman Cork, there’s nothing like an evening of familiar carols to lift the spirits and get you in the mood for Christmas!