Christmas Showtime; Posh Panto: Joanna Page and Gareth Gates Arrghh: Keith Allen in Treasure Island A Pucker Performance: Clive Rowe Is Mother Goose at Hackney Empire Traditional Taster: The Royal Ballets Nutcracker Returns to Covent Garden Classic Carols: The Sixteen and Harry Christophers Vegas-Style: Elton John Is at the O2

Byline: NICK CURTIS, SARAH FRATER, BARRY MILLINGTON, FIONA MOUNTFORD, DAVID SMYTH

ASSUMING you've been even vaguely sentient for the last few weeks, you might be forgiven for thinking that Christmas had been cancelled.

With repossessions soaring and high street sales plummeting, the December outlook looked emptier than Ebeneezer Scrooge's Christmas card list. But there's one area of the capital's life where the yuletide spirit continues to glow undimmed the arts.

Gone are the days when the only family entertainment on offer was a nakedly commercial panto and an over-familiar

Nutcracker (although traditionalists will be glad to note that both those old stalwarts can be seen again this year).

Christmas shows now range from the visually inventive Amazonia at the Young Vic, to Dickens in Kingston and The Little Prince in Hampstead. Dance embraces not just the Nutcracker but also Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands and Will Tuckett's Thief of Baghdad. There are Christmassy operas and carol concerts but also seasonal singalongs from the likes of The Pogues and Slade.

If we are to spend our way out of this recession and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, what better way than getting the family away from the telly and the turkey, to enjoy the communal experience of live performance. There is so much on offer, you really have no excuse. Oh no you don't &

THE NUTCRACKER 15 Dec-10 Jan, The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden (020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk) Tiny tots with traditional tastes should head to the Opera House to see The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker. The sets are a magical realm, the dancing tip-top and the production …

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Publication information: Article title: Christmas Showtime; Posh Panto: Joanna Page and Gareth Gates Arrghh: Keith Allen in Treasure Island A Pucker Performance: Clive Rowe Is Mother Goose at Hackney Empire Traditional Taster: The Royal Ballets Nutcracker Returns to Covent Garden Classic Carols: The Sixteen and Harry Christophers Vegas-Style: Elton John Is at the O2. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Evening Standard (London, England). Publication date: December 4, 2008. Page number: 46. © Not available. COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale Group.

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