LONDON is one of the best cities in the world for theatre – but every now and again a show comes along that blows you out of the water.
For me this year, that’s Come Alive! The new musical circus spectacular inspired by The Greatest Showman.
The performance takes part in a big top, following a young girl called Max who discovers her potential as a showman.
But while the plot is pretty weak, the big budget song and dance spectacles and the circus exhibitions that go alongside them are truly brilliant.
You’ve never seen a circus show like this before – the big songs, recognisable from the blockbuster movie that inspired it – feel like Hollywood-style performances.
And the acts are top tier. We watched strongmen bounce each other into the sky, an acrobat spin 40ft high by her hair and an incredible fire display that saw a woman set fire to her body… on purpose.
This is Cirque Du Soleil in a sparkly jumpsuit with a megawatt smile.
But what made it extra special was the walk-through at the start.
While this is far from London’s West End – in a large venue close to West Brompton tube station in the west of the capital, the space this buys mean the creators dreamt up an extra pre-show experience.
The venue opens an hour before the show, for guests to walk through “The Empress Museum”.
This is an attraction that truly deserves the “immersive” tag that seems to accompany everything these days.
Gypsy caravans and mini-showtents line the path, as well as jugglers and other performers.
We were encouraged to duck into the various tents, where we witnessed everything from spoon bending and incredible bubble-blowing, to fortune telling and trampolining acrobats.
There was also fast food available, along with a decent range of drinks that included posh cocktails like margaritas and bloody marys.
Yes, the show isn’t cheap – tickets start from £45 but the pre-show is an event in itself and given the snug size of the main circus tent, all of the seats are decent.
Rare for any kind of show to achieve, my 5 year old and I both enjoyed the performance in equal measure, and the 70 year old I sat next to seemed to be loving it just as much.
Tickets for Come Alive start at £45. To find out more, head to comealiveshow.com
Kids Christmas Shows in London for 2024
- Father Christmas Needs A Wee!
A family show full of jokes and Christmas jingles at the Arts Theatre, 7-24th December.
Follow Father Christmas as he realises he needs a wee after eating treats at each house. - Stick Man
An adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man at Bloomsbury Theatre, 4th December-5th January.
Enjoy a funny show with puppetry and live music as Stick Man’s jog turns into an adventure. - Potted Panto
Seven classic pantomimes in 80 minutes at Wilton’s Music Hall, 4th December-4th January.
From Aladdin to Dick Whittington, it’s fun for all ages, whether you’re six or 106. - Robin Hood
A West End spectacle with stunning sets and comedy at The London Palladium, 7th December-12th January.
Starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood. - Pinocchio
A reimagined fairy tale classic at Theatre Royal Stratford East, 23rd November-4th January.
Music and lyrics by Robert Hyman, directed by Omar F. Oka. - Beauty and the Beast
Dame Maureen Lipman stars in this classic panto at Richmond Theatre, 7th December-5th January.
Featuring special effects, beautiful costumes, and discounts for groups and schools. - Disney On Ice
Join Mickey Mouse and friends on a magical adventure at The O2, 26th December-5th January.
Visit Disney destinations with shows also in Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Belfast, Manchester, and Sheffield. - Duck Pond
Experience Swan Lake like never before at Royal Festival Hall, 19-30 December.
Circa presents a reimagined version with circus stunts, aerials, and comedy. - Room on the Broom
Tall Stories’ adaptation of Room on the Broom at Lyric Theatre, 22nd November-5th January.
Join the witch, her cat, and hitch-hikers on a magical broomstick adventure. - Little Angel Theatre Company: Singing Mermaid
A musical adventure with beautiful puppetry at Little Angel Theatre, 23rd November-26th January.
Julia Donaldson’s popular story is brought to life with music by Barb Jungr. - Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
A heart-warming show at Little Angel Theatre, 23rd November-5th January.
Rosie Robin works hard to deliver Christmas post amidst a snowstorm, blending puppetry and song.
