What is Christmas without a trip to the theatre, be it for panto or something a little more highbrow? Here’s three different experiences you can enjoy around Dubai this week.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
December 20 to 31 (no show on December 25)
‘Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?’ Few fairytales capture the spirit of Dubai quite like Snow White And The Seven Dwarves, which hits town this Christmas. The show is brought to you by UK-based touring company h2 Productions, who return to Dubai for the seventh consecutive year. In the great British tradition of pantomime, you can bank on a flamboyant dame and plenty of audience participation.

Centrepoint Theatre, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, timings vary, Dhs130. Tel: (04) 3414777. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. ductac.org

Beauty and the BeastBEAUTY AND THE BEAST
December 20 to 31 (no show on December 25)
The classic tale of this famous odd couple sings and dances its way on to stage at the Madinat Theatre. We speak to the show’s stars, Thiart Li and Caitlin Kilburn

“My favourite song to perform is the duet with Belle, Just Give Me A Reason,” Thiart Li plays Beast, told us. “Our voices complement each other so well.”

Caitlin Kilburn, who plays Belle, agrees. “It’s a toss up between Just Give Me A Reason, an emotional duet with Beast, and The End Of The World, when I think Beast is dead. They are such beautiful songs.”

And why do they think Beauty And The Beast is still such a popular story?

“It’s one of those timeless stories that has it all: loveable characters, magic, music, a prince in disguise and the universal theme of love,” Caitlin explains. “It’s also great that the lead is such a strong female character who loves her family, stands up for herself and takes control of her destiny.”

Thiart added: “Beauty And The Beast is still such a well-loved story because I think it is still relevant today as it talks about true love, not judging people by their appearance, and being true to your heart.”

Souk Madinat Theatre, Dubai, timings vary, Dhs150, Dhs170. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Souk Madinat. madinattheatre.com

DRAMA CAMP FOR CHILDREN
December 21 to 24
If a huge blizzard hits Dubai, how will everyone get home for Christmas? That’s the theme of a four-day Winter Drama Camp hosted by Kids’ Theatre Works. Participants create their own show, with acting, singing and dancing culminating in a performance for family and friends.

Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, ages three to six, 9am to 2pm, ages seven to 14, 9am to 3pm, Dhs750. Tel: (050) 1585653. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. kidstheatreworks.com