Bottle Rocket

Formed in 2015 Bottle Rocket are relatively new to the East London Jazz scene. Hailing from a diverse range of musical backgrounds Tom Hadley (sax), Chris Foley (guitar), Andy Davis (bass) and Matt Fernand (drums) dish out a mix of originals with elegant melodies, underpinned by infectious grooves, interspersed with a selection of reimagined classic tunes.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Sunday, December 2, 8pm. Details: 07904 525639 lunalounge.info

East Lonesome Drifters

ELD is a five-piece outfit that pays homage to traditional honky tonk, western swing, Bakersfield and bluegrass – with all the original energy and edge of electric bar bands from country’s classic era.

The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HF, Saturday, December 1, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8520 3709 coppermillpub.co.uk

Cinderella

Cinderella has just lost her beloved father and has been put in the care of her stepmother. To pay her way Cinderella is made to live below stairs and do all the cleaning, mending and cooking for her lazy step family. Will Cinderella be rescued by her prince and live happily ever after? Oh yes she will! Meet the wicked and elaborately dressed Ugly Sisters, Buttons, the Fairy Godmother, the dashing Prince Charming and, of course, beautiful Cinderella herself. This action-packed family show features all the traditional pantomime ingredients: sparkling storybook sets, energetic dance routines, beautiful costumes, plenty of audience participation and the most important ingredient of all – a generous helping of pantomime magic!

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Friday, November 30, to Sunday, January 6. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Rapunzel’s Christmas Dream

Rapunzel loves to dance, but will she ever get the chance to follow her dreams? With music, dance and a few surprises, Redbridge Drama Centre brings you a modern adaptation of this classic tale.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Saturday, December 1, Saturday, December 8, and Friday, December 14, various times. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty

Theatre Royal Stratford East brings you a brand new festive adventure. Sleeping Beauty has been in a deep sleep for a hundred years, but wakes to find herself in a new city with a cruel fairy hot on her heels. Expect a mix of original songs, cracking jokes and a sprinkling of magic in London’s must-see pantomime.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Saturday, December 1, to Saturday, January 12. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

It’s Christmas time. Leave your shoes and slippers by the fireplace and settle down to hear one child’s story about the night they met a certain twinkly-eyed, round-bellied chap. Originally written for his two daughters in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore’s much-loved story is still read to millions of children around the world today. This beautiful adaptation will get everyone, young and old, peering a little further into the sky this Christmas Eve.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, December 1, to Sunday, December 23, various times. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Aladdin

Come along on a magical carpet ride all the way to Peking for this year’s spectacular pantomime at The Harlow Playhouse. Featuring an exciting blend of live music, professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and jaw-dropping effects.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, November 30, to Sunday, January 6. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Sex and Doom

Debs and Simon present two more of their stimulating and entertaining comedic masterpieces. In 'Domesday', the year is 1086 and we follow the men of Baldwin the Sheriff who’ve been cast out into the wilds of The Westcountry to gather evidence to submit to the forthcoming Domesday Survey. In 'Sexquest', a struggling writer of erotic fiction is sent on a sexual odyssey across the UK. It’s her one last roll of the dice to save her career, her relationship and her sanity.

The Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, Sunday, December 2, 2pm. Details: 020 8932 4747

Nine Night

Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, Natasha Gordon’s remarkable debut play transfers to the West End. Roy Alexander Weise directs this touching and exuberantly funny exploration of the rituals of family. Gloria is gravely sick. When her time comes, the celebration begins – the traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake. But for Gloria’s children and grandchildren, marking her death with a party that lasts over a week is a test. Nine rum-fuelled nights of music, food, storytelling and laughter – and an endless parade of mourners.

Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, SW1A 2DY, Saturday, December 1, to Saturday, February 23, various times. Details: atgtickets.com/shows

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Zog and Friends Show

Join the UK’s number one picture book pair for the ultimate festive sing-along show for families – with songs, stories and live drawing. In this event, the creators of Zog, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, celebrate some of the much-loved stories that inspired the magical Zog films, ahead of the animated Zog Christmas special. Be on the lookout for Zog, The Highway Rat, The Gruffalo and more favourite characters.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Sunday, December 2, 11am. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Antiques and Collectors Fair

Enjoy the antiques and vintage pop-up fair at Ally Pally with lots of hidden gems to be found. The fair is full of handpicked, quality vintage traders who offer a wide range of genuine vintage and antique goods.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Sunday, December 2, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

Thames Frost Fair

Imagine a winter so cold the Thames freezes and an elephant can cross the ice! It happened over 200 years ago during London’s last frost fair. Come along on an interactive storytelling adventure which tells the true story of London’s frost fairs.

Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, Saturday, December 1, and Saturday, December 8, various times. Details: 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk

Pop-Up Ice Curling Rink

Lee Valley White Water Centre’s Christmas event is back and this year will feature four real ice curling sheets – making it one of the only places in the UK where you can try your hand at this traditional winter Olympic sport.

Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB, Saturday, December 1, to Sunday, January 6. Details: gowhitewater.co.uk

Opening Weekend Celebrations

Following the completion of the East Wing Restoration project, this Saturday the doors to the spectacular Alexandra Palace Theatre and East Court are opening. Years in the making, this is your chance to explore these truly incredible spaces. With Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas market, funfair including a ferris wheel overlooking all of London, ice skating, live music, street food and free workshops and performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra and Haringey Music Service, there is something for everybody.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Saturday, December 1, and Sunday, December 2. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com