J’AIME NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

WHAT: CHRISTMAS AT LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
WHERE: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
WHEN: VARIOUS DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
On December 16-20 and 22, visit Lichfield Cathedral for a light spectacular by acclaimed
animation team Illuminos. Enjoy a spectacular light show around the Close, and on the front of the
Cathedral, listen to popular carols, and head inside to soak up the atmosphere of this special time of
year. Tickets include access to the Christmas Tree Festival and cost £10 per adult, £7.50 per child
or £30 for a family ticket, with under 3s going free.
Then on December 21, start your Christmas build-up properly with a classic candlelit carol concert
by Lichfield Cathedral Choir. To celebrate the new recording of Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony
of Carols, the concert will start with a rendition of this masterpiece accompanied by harp in the
beautiful candlelit atmosphere of Lichfield Cathedral. Music and readings old and new will reflect
on the meaning of Christmas and fill you with festive cheer. Tickets are priced at £15 per person.
For more details on the Christmas events at Lichfield Cathedral and to book tickets visit
www.lichfield-cathedral.org
WHAT: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
WHEN: DECEMBER 16 TO JANUARY 28
Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant,
win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring stunning sets and costumes from The London
Palladium, and bundle-loads of laughter, this is the panto you’ve bean waiting for!
Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond stars in the UK’s biggest regional panto, alongside
Birmingham Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack back for a 10th year; and star of stage and
screen Samantha Womack. They are joined by Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Cow, panto dame
extraordinaire Andrew Ryan, Brummie local Alexanda O’Reilly in the title role and West-End
performer Billie-Kay as Princess Jill.
Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant of a panto full of fun! For more details and to book tickets visit
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
WHAT: HOME ALONE IN CONCERT
WHERE: UTILITA ARENA BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: DECEMBER 20
This December, experience family festive favourite Home Alone like never before in a special show at
Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.
A true Christmas tradition, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’
charming and delightful score performed live by The Heritage Orchestra to the film shown on a giant
HD screen. Since its debut in 2013, Home Alone in Concert has become a seasonal favourite with
orchestras and audiences around the world.
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when
his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves
(Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Also starring Catherine O’Hara and John Candy, and nominated for
two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Somewhere in My Memory”),
Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming holiday fun for the entire family!
For more information and to book tickets visit www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk
WHAT: PETER PAN
WHERE: RESORTS WORLD ARENA, BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: DECEMBER 22 AND 23
A big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale Peter Pan flies into
Birmingham this Christmas promising a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure.
Eighties pop legend Boy George leads a stellar cast as the dastardly Captain Hook. He said: “I’m
really looking forward to playing Captain Hook and showing off my evil side! I make my first
entrance on a life size galleon that sails around the stage in front of an amazing water-wall fountain.
“Although the show has traditional pantomime elements, it is so much more, being a mix of cirque
and spectacular event and I get a chance to fight a giant animatronic crocodile. What’s not to like?”
The cast of 50 includes a dozen cirque performers, dazzling aerial stunts, a giant battle where the
audience throw cannonballs at Hook’s ship and a death-defying escape from a locked water tank
by rising comedy star Jordan Conway playing Peter Pan, plus a large troupe of Irish and Highland
dancers. Fabulous animated digital sets redefine the genre with an immersive experience of magic
and wonderment that even the most cynical audiences will be blown away by.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.resortsworldarena.co.uk
44 www.jaimemagazine.com