What do you do when planning a Christmassy day in the theatre with both children and adults who, combined, cannot stand panto or scares or elaborate musical tunes? You thank children’s TV presenter Maddie Moates for putting up an one hour, interval-free, suitable-for-all show on science facts about the festive seasons without a cheesy, moral-heavy narrative which will arm young and old with enough trivia and STEM knowledge for the next couple of Christmas quiz nights. For my primary school-aged co-reviewers this is their first trip to London‘s West End, right in the heart of Shaftesbury Avenue’s Theatreland. Maybe I am more excited about that than them, and that’s okay. We are glad we have arrived at the Apollo Theatre on time. There are plenty of seat raisers available for children to sit higher, and once settled, several Christmas questions are displayed on stage, with a different way for the audience to utter their vote every time: Big fun for all! And the whole thing is very informative – I did not know where mistletoe got its name from, and will now look out on every Catalonian nativity display for the Caganer. Thank me later if toilet humour is your thing.
At the North Pole the show takes place in Santa’s workshop where a bossy Mrs Clause has instructed science-enthusiast and “Do you know?” presenter Maddie Moates and two elves (one a tinker, the other one an elf-and-safety specialist) to set up Christmas traditions and innovations for her yule party – this lady wants to be pleased, and things being perfect is the only option. And she will check on the trio and their progress regularly. So Christmas crackers need detailed inspections, snow is being created just in case the weather gods are moody and the healthiness of brussels sprouts and their journey from tongue to bum explained. There are smells and smokes and flames and plenty of let-an-adult-help-you-with-this’ and even some don’t-try-this-at-home’s: Science, entertainment and interactions are well balanced and I have more than a handful of “I didn’t know that” aha moments!
In case you are visiting with children suffering from FOMO, let me share that the paper strings from the giant crackers fly until row M ( and not row N and beyond) – well in the festive spirit already, the family sitting in front of us shares their loot gratefully. Gladly, the snow balls later wander through the entire auditorium and have everyone joining in a snow fight frenzy. And of course there is, after an accomplished mission, a happy ending.
The Apollo Theatre made international headlines in 2013 when its ceiling fell in during a performance of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time (remember the TV ads?) but on this rainy, cold advent Sunday afternoon the venue feels very safe and festive and cozy under the lush, golden and very decorative stucco on our red velvety seats – a theatrical theatre so to speak, and very welcoming indeed.
As we are arriving and leaving via Charing Cross station, we enjoy a festive London stroll back and forth through the Christmas markets at Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square and through China Town, and adore the outdoor lights everywhere, but particularly on the Strand. All of us are ready for Christmas now. How many more days?
**** out of 5 stars
Maddie Moate’s A Very Curious Christmas based on the creator’s book from 2023 of the same name ran at the Apollo Theatre until January 2024 and will be shown again at London Garrick Theatre from 12 December 2025 (tickets for the upcoming season from £22).
Sadie takes the Stage 
Sounds like fun!
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