Check out the festive shows across Kent without a boo or hiss in sight

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – AS TOLD BY JACOB MARLEY (DECEASED)

Get ready to get chills as A Christmas Carol – As Told By Jacob Marley (Deceased) tells a tale from beyond the grave.

The reprisal of James Hyland’s award-winning interpretation of the Dickens’ seasonal novel tells, through Marley’s own words, the life of his miserly business partner, Ebenezer Scrooge.

The audience learns how three magical spirits opened Scrooge’s eyes to the true value of love and forgiveness at Christmas.
Tickets to the show, which plays at The Marlowe Studio, Canterbury, at 8pm on Friday, December 16, cost £12.50. To book, visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Is hunger stronger than love?

In Lyngo Theatre’s tale of Hansel and Gretel, the poor woodsman’s empty stomach must have gone to his head when he leaves the young pair in the forest, under the wishes of the bony stepmother.

The musical theatre version of the tale has original music by Carlo ‘Cialdo’ Capelli. It comes to the Gulbenkian in Canterbury until Sunday, December 18. For tickets at £8.50, with babies up to 18 months £1, visit thegulbenkian.co.uk or call 01227 769075.

DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Three spirits, a goose and Tiny Tim – the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge stages Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by John Mortimer, from Wednesday, December 14, to Saturday, December 17.

The feast of family entertainment, full of well-known characters, costs £10. Book at oasttheatre.com or call 01732 363849.

PETER PAN

Enjoy a magical Medway experience with Spotlites Youth Theatre’s Christmas show, Peter Pan.
The classic tale by JM Barrie will feature curious Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and, of course, Neverland. The production showcases more than 40 Spotlites youth members.

The show will be at the Kings Theatre in Chatham on Saturday, December 10, Sunday, December 11, Thursday, December 15, and Saturday, December 17. Both Saturdays are sold out, and Sunday is almost sold out. For tickets at £12, call 01634 829468 or visit spotlites.co.uk

THE SMALLEST HOUSE MOUSE AND THE CHRISTMAS CAT

It’s Christmas Eve and the Smallest House Mouse has lost his way, so he steps inside the Moonbeam Hotel to ask directions, even though he knows it is the home of the mysterious Cat.

Once inside, the mouse realises that a terrible plan has been put in place by the Evil Weasel, who wishes to stop Christmas forever.

Little ones are invited to join the Smallest House Mouse, the Christmas Cat and the fairies on a journey through enchanted lands and help them save Christmas.

The Smallest House Mouse And The Christmas Cat is The Brook Theatre’s alternative to a festive panto and is designed for children aged three to six.

The show runs until Christmas Eve. Tickets cost £7.95 for adults and £7.50 for children. Children under one go free but still need a ticket. Call the box office on 01634 338338 to book. This is promenade theatre, which means that seating is not available.

CHRISTMAS TALES WITH GRANDDAD

From the company who brought Santa’s Little Trolls to Folkestone comes a special Christmas show featuring a feast of festive stories, including a special pair of Christmas pants, the mystery of the snowflake necklace and the shenanigans of the Tomten – a feisty Gnome who loves the chance to swap gossip and may be the reason Granddad can't find his favourite tree decoration.

The heartwarming storytelling comes to Folkestone Quarterhouse from Friday, December 16 to Christmas Eve. Suitable for ages three and up. Tickets £8 for adults, visit quarterhouse.co.uk

If you still want your panto fix, here's where to catch it this Christmas.