Comedy Film Music

Christmas 2012 in London

By TW Editorial | Published on Monday 17 December 2012

So this is Christmas, and what are you going to do? Well, why not try these…

CHRISTMAS COMEDY CHOICES

Brian Cox and Robin Ince’s End Of The World Show, Hammersmith Apollo, 21 Dec
Tonight being the apocalypse and all (according to ancient Mayan prophecy, anyway), comic boffins Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince, plus a non-geeky gaggle of science and music’s most supreme minds, present a last-minute summary of humanity’s history so far. Odds are that this show will be a one-off, so RSVP ASAP via this link.

Joke Newington, Stoke Newington Town Hall, 21 Dec
Sharp-tongued Ava Vidal and ex ‘Big Breakfast’-er Paul Tonkinson preside over a traditional spread of tasty-looking comedians. Tonight’s Christmas dinner menu features Ian Stone, Brian Collins and Ian Hawkins. So book now!

Monster Comedy Christmas Special, Leicester Square Theatre, 23 Dec
A mystery list of tbc comedians ply Christmas mirth at the behest of non-profit promoter Monster. 2011’s event featured the splendid Rory & Tim, Angela Barnes, Cariad Lloyd, Sam Simmons and The Beta Males, so this year’s programme is set to be a nice – rather than a nasty – under-the-tree surprise. Tickets here.

Arthur Smith’s Christmas Spectacular, Up The Creek, 23 Dec
‘Grumpy Old’ compere Arthur Smith braves Christmas jollity to host a humbug horde of guests at this, his festive Up The Creek Special. Said guests so far are ever surprising ThreeWeeks fave Terry Alderton, acid anecdotalist Paul Sinha, and spontaneous Edinburgh Fringe -nominee David Trent. Mince pies, carols and seasonal cheer are also promised. Info via this page.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey &  Q&A with Sir Ian McKellan, Genesis Cinema Whitechapel, 21 Dec
Thespian, wizard and knight of the realm Sir Ian McKellan is appearing twice tonight at the Genesis premieres of Peter Jackson’s new ‘Lord Of The Rings’ prequel to talk orcs, dwarves and – obviously – Gandalf. All takings from £10 tickets will go to Sir Ian’s chosen charity Step Forward. Details here.

The Wizard Of Oz, Barbican, 22-23 Dec
In a London first, the Welsh National Opera’s Orchestra sets aside time to soundtrack two screenings of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’. Tickets here.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC CHOICES

Cold Specks’ Winter Solstice Party, Sebright Arms, 21 Dec
Mute-signed Al Spx and band – aka Cold Specks – will ply their much-lauded line in soul-gothica at Bethnal Green’s slider-serving Sebright Arms on 21 Dec. It’s a special Winter Solstice Party, and tickets are free to those who RSVP in advance via this Facebook page. Here’s a SoundCloud sample of CS’s ‘Christmas Evermore’ to set the mood:

Hit Factory Live, O2 Arena, 21 Dec
Pete Waterman invites one and all to reminisce on pop-times past, presenting a 1980s/90s-themed nostalgia fest featuring Steps, Rick Astely, Bananarama, Sonia, Dead Or Alive and, yes, an especial duet by Jason Donovan and a real live Kylie Minogue. Pricey tickets still in Stock (Aitken, etc) here.

Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera feat Tamsin Grieg – The Snowman/Peter And The Wolf, Barbican Hall, 22-23 Dec (pictured)
‘Episodes’ and ‘Jumpy’ actress, the beyond-great Tamsin Grieg, narrates this most quintessential Christmas experience; a two-part parcel comprising a live-scored screening of ‘The Snowman’ and a recital of Prokofiev’s ‘Peter And The Wolf’. Tickets here.

Soulwaxmas, O2 Academy Brixton, 21-22 Dec
Christmas, what Christmas? Now we’re talking Soulwaxmas, as Belgian mix-smiths 2ManyDJs (aka Soulwax) ring in this year’s Waxmas climax via a headlining live set, also hosting special guests in the shape of Kindness, Erol Alkan, Mike Simonetti and Ego Troopers. Party invites and info at this page.