Celebrate festive fun with ballet in the O2 arena 

For the first time the 02 arena stages the celebrated family Christmas ballet The Nutcracker with X-factor star Joe McElderry.

Sir Peter Wright’s world acclaimed interpretation of the Christmas classic features six performances with festive songs by McElderry. “I’m thrilled that I’ve been given the opportunity to perform at The O2. The Nutcracker is a magical ballet and it will be a great honour to introduce it in front of an expectant arena,” he says.

“At a time of year when families are spending time together, the combination of Joe McElderry and The Nutcracker ballet will be a magical event that just encapsulates the festive spirit in a unique way and it will make for a very happy Christmas at our venue,” says Ingrid Sutej, Director of Content Development for The O2.

Lilian Hochhauser, Director of Victor Hochhauser added: “I cannot wait to see how an already visually spectacular production transforms when performed in this stunning arena.  It is going to be absolutely breathtaking.”

 The UK’s leading classical ballet company Birmingham Royal Ballet present Tchaikovsky’s best-loved ballet.

Image: Culturepush.com

Dynamic circus artists bite back for more

Longspoon Circus 

Circus Bites Back makes a comeback after a successful show last Christmas. The contemporary circus and cabaret show will take place on Thursday 15th December 2011, 7.30pm at The Albany in Deptford.

It is a show that’s been created to exhilarate with a renowned contemporary circus act, physical theatre and cabaret. The one and only Dusty Limits returns to host the evening with thrills and comedy alongside ukelele star Tricity Vogue.

The events curator Vicki Amedume and her signature company Upswing feature some of these thought-provoking and entertaining acts. She says: “There are very few opportunities for people to see such a range of circus by such a range of companies in one night. It will be a night of the spectacular, the funny, the poignant, the beautiful and a fantastic representation of the talent in British Circus.”

The evening, filled with humorous and some heart-stopping moments also includes the likes of Leo Hedman with unique aerial acrobatics, Dodgy Whiskers combination of music and trampoline, innovative acts by Longspoon Circus and many more.

After hours celebration continues live with 60s rhythm pop band Alberteen.

Image courtesy: The Albany