Family festive frolics – with older children

Crimes of the Christmas Pudding opens 5 December, Lichfield Garrick, Staffordshire (12+)

A frisky festive whodunnit inspired by Agatha Christie, Gosford Park and classic Ealing Comedies in which lady detective Artemis Arinae finds herself in high society to solve a crime.

Cinderella: A Fairytale opens 12 December, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, London

This imaginative retelling of the Brothers Grimm story sees Ella at the mercy of her cruel and scheming new relations when her father remarries. But a chance encounter leads to an invitation to a ball and a hilarious and heart-warming reversal of fortunes begins.

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets opens 19 December, The Old Market, Brighton (11+)

1927 revives its hit show which tells the story of a sprawling, stinking tenement block where the wolf is always at the door. When Agnes Eaves and her daughter arrive late one night, does it signal hope in this hopeless place, or has the real horror only just begun?

Icons opens 10 December, Roundhouse, London and 18 December, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (12+)

Le Gateau Chocolat explores our relationship with icons from Kate Bush to Bjork, from Madonna to Meatloaf.

Bah, Humbug!, Lyric Theatre, Belfast

A modern-day take on the Dickens classic tale A Christmas Carol, which has Scrooge as the richest, meanest property developer in Belfast. Will he repent of his greed or will he remain the same old capitalist pig that he always has been?

La Clique Noël —Part Deux, Festival Square Spiegeltent, Edinburgh

La Clique returns with a show that mixes cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary vaudeville. Expect fire-eating, sword-swallowing, hair hanging, magic and more.

Little Women opens 27 November, The Space, London

Celebrating 150 years since the publication of Louisa May Alcott's much-loved classic, the story of the March sisters is retold in a new adaptation by Rachael Claye. Each sister challenges society’s expectations, as relevant today as they ever were.

Age suitability has been given when provided and some shows have no age restrictions but may contain adult content. Check web sites to confirm and for information regarding captioned, signed and relaxed performances.