The most festive tale of all to see on stage and screen has to be A Christmas Carol. The story of Scrooge's redemption as he is met by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to see what his life has been and could be like. With so many versions of the show it's a breath of fresh air to see a version that is not only fun but accessible for all ages. 

Mayflower Theatre do amazing community based projects, and their Mayflower Made youth productions are nothing but brilliant. With casts solely comprising of young actors, A Christmas Carol is their latest festive offering. After all, Charles Dickens was only born just down the road from the theatre so it's a brilliant tribute to get audiences in the Christmas spirit. 

 Sizwe Banzi is Dead is a play originally created in 1972 in Cape Town, South Africa before transferring to London and New York. Named one of the best plays ever made by The Independent, it has now been brought to a 2023 audience by actor/director John Pfumojena in association with Mayflower Made. With its premiere taking place at Mast Mayflower Studios, before embarking on a short UK tour, I was so fortunate to be invited to experience this version of the classic Fugard, Kani, and Ntshona play. 

 Alice in Wonderland is a classic tale of whimsical mayhem and adventure. It allows the audience to transport themselves into a world like no other. And that's exactly what Alice: A Musical Adventure in Wonderland allowed us to do at MAST Mayflower Studios this festive season. 

I am a huge advocate of youth theatre. I spent most of my childhood performing and am now a parent to a young performer so knowing that this show was cast entirely by young performers from the local area was something to be truly excited about. And this production of Alice is no small feat, and showcases some of the best up and coming talent set against a backdrop that would rival any big show production. 

 Trainspotting is an iconic tale. Whether you've read the book by Irving Welsh or seen the film starring Ewan McGregor, it's a cult classic that seems utterly timeless. And now, this story takes on a new stage version that is a complete sensory overload in the most brilliant of ways. 

In Your Face Productions have taken the stage play written by Harry Gibson to create an immersive, visceral 75-minute gut punch that will leave you feeling blown away. After a sell out Edinburgh Fringe season, Trainspotting Live is now on tour and has stopped at its final destination at the MAST Mayflower Studios. 

There is undoubtably (in my opinion) no more of an iconic villain in the Disney franchise than Ursula the sea witch. Growing up, I loved the fact that she was this big, brazen character who knew what she wanted and didn't care what others thought. To me she was a plus size icon, and I LOVED her for that. But we all know how the story ends, we all know how everyone failed to give Ursula that time to speak her side of the story, that is until now. 

Fat Rascal Theatre have given Ursula her time to shine, they have given her an opportunity to tell us what really happened all those years ago, and in this brilliantly sparkly show, we find out the truth. And the truth is nothing short of bold, beautiful, and down right filthy! It's currently at Mast Mayflower Studios and I headed down with one of my blogging buddies to see this hilariously brilliant show. 

Treasure Island is a story that has taken on many forms since its creation in 1883. What started as a novel has now turned into a movie, musical, TV series and play. There was even a Muppets version which is arguably one of the best, that is until Le Navet Bete came along with their version, that doesn't quite fit the timeless tale perfectly. 

Le Navet Bete are a theatre troupe from Exeter, UK that have been putting on shows to entertain the masses since 2008. If you are a fan of slightly slapstick shows that don't take themselves seriously, that also have some magical elements that the whole family will love, then Le Navet Bete are the group for you. Whenever I try and describe them to friends I always mention Mischief Theatre, but Le Navet Bete are in a league of their own! 

After seeing two of their previous shows (Dracula: The Bloody Truth and The Three Musketeers) we were looking forward to seeing what was next on their list to tour. This time is was the age old tale of Treasure Island, and boy was it a tale to remember. 

 I absolutely adore a new musical. Anything that gives me a good ear-worm and has me humming for days, gets me buzzing about something new and has a brilliant story is a win in my books. But a new musical about kick ass feminist icons? Well I honestly don't think that I can really put into words how excited I was to hear that the brilliant children's book "Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World" was being adapted into a new musical.

When I found out that this brilliant new show was being made in collaboration with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment and MAST Mayflower Studios, I knew I had to go, I knew I had to be there, and I also knew that Max would love it as much (and if not more) as me. We have been so fortunate to have been invited to the press night of the show, and I honestly can't explain how much I loved it. 

Photo by Pamela Raith

 In times like these, it's brilliant to share fantastic theatre news. And the fact that the utterly brilliant Mayflower Theatre have now opened a secondary theatre called MAST Mayflower is just the icing on the cake. Based at the old Nuffield City site in Southampton town centre, this theatre will focus on smaller shows and productions and provide a more intimate approach to theatre. Having been to the theatre many times before, I can attest to the fact that it's a brilliant setting for the whole family to head to enjoy some shows. 

And in their opening year they have a brilliant selection of family shows for little and old to love and enjoy. Here are some notable ones that I think you should book!