ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
The Arts at Christmas cont .
Cinema
Although it may not be quite as traditional as live theatre , visiting the cinema for a festive film or performance is becoming increasingly popular , especially when it means being able to see performances that would otherwise be out of reach due to cost or location – or movies that would otherwise not be seen .
NT Live : The Nutcracker // 8 Dec // Connaught Theatre , Worthing
The Royal Ballet ’ s glorious production of The Nutcracker , created by Peter Wright in 1984 , is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite . It is Christmas Eve and Drosselmeyer the magician sweeps young Clara away on a fantasy adventure in which time is suspended , the family living room becomes a great battlefield , and a magical journey takes them through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets . Tchaikovsky ’ s glittering score , the gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal Ballet ’ s captivating dancing – including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince – make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience .
Muppets Christmas Carol // 23 & 24 Dec // Connaught Theatre , Worthing
A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge , miser extraordinaire . He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during nighttime visitations by the ghosts of Christmas past , present , and future . This film is a favourite with families at this time of year , telling the age old story of Scrooge in a completely accessible way .
It ’ s A Wonderful Life // 16-18 Dec // Electric Palace , Hastings
Jimmy Stewart is the owner of a money lending company that for years has been helping people in his town live their dreams . But when one Christmas he has one calamity after another , he decides to take his own life , believing everyone would be better off if he had never lived .
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic Christmas treat for the whole family – whether you take to the ice , or choose to watch , rinkside , with a warming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine , you ’ ll have a wonderful time . There is nothing quite like a gorgeously decorated and brightly lit ice rink on a winter ’ s evening to put the spark of excitement into everyone ’ s heart .
Brighton Pavilion Ice Rink // 5 Nov-15 Jan
The backdrop to this ice rink is the former Royal Palace in Brighton , and it really does look spectacular when it is bathed in purple and pink light . There is plenty to eat and drink here , so skaters can replenish their energy levels , and non-skaters can enjoy good food and hot drinks on the restaurant terrace .
Steyne Gardens // Worthing // 11 Nov-27 Feb
A fully covered ice rink means that no matter what the weather ' s like outside , your skating fun won ’ t be cut short . This is a true family event with special sessions for those aged under four who want to give ice skating a try ; there are also penguin helpers to give everyone a bit of a boost when it comes to the ice ! Besides skating , why not indulge in some tasty hot drinks and snacks and really make a day of it at the large food and drink marquee .
Priory Meadow Shopping Centre // Hastings // 25 Nov-2 Jan
Known for being both fun and excellent value for money , the ice rink at the Priory Meadows Shopping Centre in Hastings is well worth a visit . With special festive lighting and snow showers to surprise and delight the skaters , as well as the chance to catch up on your Christmas shopping while you ’ re there , this is one rink not to be missed .
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