THIS Christmas is set to be the busiest season to date at the Shelley Theatre in Boscombe. Theatre manager Zoe Dunne shares seven festive shows not to miss next month...

1. Christmas Shopping with Chris Difford — Thursday, December 5

Squeeze played in Bournemouth recently. Chris is co-founder (with Glenn Tilbrook) comes to us for an evening of song and stories. Who doesn’t love a good anecdote, particularly when it’s from a Grammy nominated and double Ivor Novello Award winning lyricist.

2. A Hundred Thousand Angels Christmas Concert — Monday, December 9

Lucinda Drayton and writing partner Andrew Blissett created the seminal album ‘A Hundred Thousand Angels’. It has been used all over the globe — in healing circles, yoga classes and spas. The evening will be focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

3. Santa’s Christmas Countdown — Sunday, December 15

Shelley Theatre champion shows that have an emphasis on story telling for younger audiences.

If you include children’s energy and imaginations in the performance, their open minds will readily follow the most fantastical of stories. For Santa’s Christmas Countdown, we have Dotty the Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, Pompom the Penguin, Jack Frost, and of course Father Christmas, all on stage in Santa’s toy-filled workshop. Plus every child gets a present.

4. A Merry Shelley Christmas — Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20

Doug Gould is such a talent when it comes to piano improvisation. He is the best in the business.

For this show, it features the beautiful voices of Michelle Nova, Louisa Mayes and Holly Spillar. We will also be introducing direct from the Royal College of Music, rising vocal star Ben Gautier. This concert will put you in the right mood for Christmas.

5. It’s A Wonderful Life — Saturday, December 21

The Radio Times named It’s A Wonderful Life as the UK’s favourite Christmas film. It’s time to get ready for Christmas and we’re showing this classic on beautifully restored 35mm film.

This will be the moment when you know that you are ready for Christmas. Look forward to welcoming everyone to a cosy night at the cinema.

6. Baaa Humbug — A Stocking Full of Show-tunes — Monday, December 23

A good friend of Shelley Theatre, Earl Carpenter (well known for his roles in. Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera), alongside James Hume and Paul Wilkins celebrate an evening of musical anecdotes, songs and Christmas merriment.

This is going to be such a fun evening. When Earl has played here before, there wasn’t a seat available.

7. Brace Of Spades — Tuesday, December 24

We close our year of performance with a show for all the family. Magician, Tom Brace, sold out all his shows at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

We wanted the last show before Christmas to be something that everyone can enjoy. It’s at 4pm and something for everyone with comedy and magic. The perfect way to end the year at Shelley Theatre.

* To book your Christmas at Shelley Theatre visit shelleytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 413600