The world’s most emblematic concert venue opens its doors to a season full of wonder and magic, featuring an impressive display of holiday-related shows adapted to every patron’s tastes. From film scores to camp drag events and opulent ballet production, December is by all means the month you just can’t miss an evening at the Hall.
Either if you’ve been good or a bloody bastard this year (it’s up to you to choose which one is more fun), you’re still eligible for a treat or two when it comes to matters of the stage. Regardless of how big your crave for Christmas spectacle is, the Royal Albert Hall has it all sorted out for you, as next month will be studded by an endless list of extravagant entertainment. From ongoing traditional classics to edgier new additions such as DJ and drag shows, London’s most vibrant concert hall is presenting us with a much tempting offer suitable for all kinds of tastes.
A Christmas Gaiety
Drag sensation Peaches Christ joins conductor Edwin Outwater and the BBC Concert Orchestra will turn the Royal Albert Hall into a camp Christmas party as part of this year’s festive celebrations, featuring also some special appearances.
Sat 3 Dec, 7:30pm
Christmas with Katherine Jenkins
UK’s national singing treasure returns to the RAH to play seasonal favourites alongside friends and special guests. Since first taking to the Hall’s stage in 2004, mezzo-soprano singer Katherine Jenkins OBE has released 13 best-selling albums and been awarded two Classical Brit Awards. Past performers also include BBC Radio 2 Presenter Clare Teal, actor and performer Clarke Peters, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and Strictly Come Dancing lead singer Tommy Blaize.
Thu 8 Dec, 7:30pm
Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas
The annual tradition of Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas returns to the Hall in 2022 for its seventh year. Along with special appearances, Guy Barker’s gig promises a swinging, soulful celebration of big band music with a Christmas twist, mixing jazz classics with festive tunes.
Fri 9 Dec, 7:30pm
Home Alone in Concert
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a proper holiday film marathon. After sell-out screenings in 2018, Home Alone in Concert returns to the Hall as renowned composer John Williams’ score (nominated to two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song –Somewhere in My Memory-) is performed live to picture by a symphony orchestra.
Sat 10 Dec, 2:30pm / 7:30pm
My Christmas Orchestral Adventure
If Christmas belongs to someone that’s definitely the children, either chronologically or in heart. And what better gift than introducing them to classical music through a Christmas adventure story? After Santa Claus loses his map on a practice run, Albert’s Orchestra goes on a journey around the world to track him down. Through classical favourites, the orchestra creates ice skating on frozen lakes, sleigh rides and a white Christmas, all without leaving the Royal Albert Hall’s auditorium. Previous performances have included well-known pieces from film composer John Williams, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
Sun 11 Dec, 1pm / 4:30pm
Christmas with the Royal Choral Society
Formed as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s official opening and performing at the venue on every Christmas since 1872, the 150-piece choir returns once again with a festive programme packed full of carols old and new.
Mon 12 Dec, 7:30pm
Handel’s Messiah
The annual performance of Handel’s sacred oratorio Messiah returns to the Hall as part of the 2022 Christmas season. Having featured in the Hall’s programme a total of 568 times since 1872, Handel’s Messiah is a true Royal Albert Hall tradition.
Wed 14 Dec, 2pm / 7pm
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
Art wouldn’t be art if it couldn’t trascend the stage and make its audience part of it. Hardly will we find a more direct opportunity for it as in this one. From traditional carols such as ‘12 Days of Christmas’ and ‘Silent Night’ to modern wintertime arrangements ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’, the sing-along carol concerts at the Royal Albert Hall have become a festive favourite, selling out every year and to ignite the Christmas spirit even in those with a Grinch heart.
Sat 17 Dec, 3pm / 7:30pm; Sun 18 Dec, 11am / 3pm / 7:30pm; Wed 21 Dec, 3pm / 7:30pm; Thu 22 Dec, 11am / 3pm / 7:30pm; Fri 23 Dec, 11am / 3pm / 7:30pm; Sat 24 Dec, 11am / 3pm
Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas
The award-winning BBC Radio 2 and Radio 1Xtra DJ and Urban music pioneer brings together a host of special guest vocalists performing re-imagined iconic tracks, with help from the BBC Concert Orchestra, in this live soul show.
Mon 19 Dec, 7:30pm
London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas
After a sold-out concert in 2021, the London Community Gospel Choir returns for the 2022 Christmas season with an exciting festive show featuring gospel classics. With musical accompaniment from a live orchestra and the London Community Gospel Choir band, expect an evening of uplifting festive tunes, seasonal fun, and special guests.
Tue 20 Dec, 7:30pm
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s ultimate masterpiece is a definite must-see every holiday season. brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia orchestra, Christmas’s magic rise to the next level through the whims and charm of this Russian fairy tale, as Clara’s toys come to life at the stroke of midnight. Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall and returning for the first time in three years, this classic Nutcracker is the largest production in the UK.
Wed 28 Dec, 7pm; Thu 29 Dec, 2pm / 7pm; Fri 30 Dec, 2pm / 7pm; Sat 31 Dec, 12pm / 4pm
Tickets for all the shows are available on the following link.
First Night Magazine 