This month offers a delightful selection of theatrical entertainment available to stream directly into your home, from a musical about a legendary tax case to rock 'n' roll pantomimes and beloved musical recordings.
A Sweet Legal Battle Takes Centre Stage
The standout production is undoubtedly A Jaffa Cake Musical from theatre company Gigglemug. This jolly courtroom comedy tackles the iconic 1991 VAT dispute between biscuit giant McVitie's and HM Revenue & Customs. The central question: is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? The outcome had significant financial implications, as chocolate biscuits were subject to VAT while cakes were not. The musical brings this quirky slice of British legal and culinary history to life with catchy songs that promise to be memorable. It is available to stream via Lounges.TV, alongside Gigglemug's other production, Scouts! The Musical.
Pantomime Season Goes Online
Traditional festive pantomimes also feature strongly in the December streaming lineup. In Ipswich, the New Wolsey Theatre presents a rock'n'roll panto version of Beauty and the Beast, complete with songs from artists like Meat Loaf and Dolly Parton. Several live-streamed matinee and evening performances are scheduled throughout the month, including a special show on Christmas Eve morning.
Nottingham Playhouse continues its commendable tradition of offering an online pantomime option with Sleeping Beauty. Available from 16 December, this year's production is written and directed by the theatre's artistic director Adam Penford and features a fire-breathing dragon and local favourite John Elkington as the dame.
Musicals, Storytelling & Intriguing Drama
For family viewing, the Unicorn Theatre presents The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, a vibrant filmed version of Roald Dahl's story. It features the captivating storyteller Hammed Animashaun, directed by Daniel Bailey, and includes chatty puppets and lively songs.
Fans of musical theatre can enjoy the original London cast recording of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, which recently landed online. Its high-energy rock numbers are perfect for fans of the franchise. Meanwhile, actor John C Reilly's charismatic vaudeville show, What's Not to Love?, filmed during its November run at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, sees him in character as Mister Romantic, wooing the audience with classic songs.
For those seeking original drama, Kevrin, Out of Season is a compelling two-hander by Jack Brownridge-Kelly. Filmed at the Burrell theatre in Truro, it explores the tense dynamic between a pregnant Cornish woman and a couple whose holiday home she occupies. It is available for free on YouTube.
Finally, the BBC's Drama on 3 offers a festive treat with Guys and Dolls at Christmas. This special combines two Damon Runyon stories with a performance of Frank Loesser's 'What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?' sung by Jamie Parker, who famously played Sky Masterson a decade ago.
