Five shows that aren't about Christmas

It’s not even December yet but some of us are already getting a bit sick of Christmas, the good news is there are still some pockets of the world where things don’t come covered in sleigh bells and tinsel – check out our round up of winter shows categorically not about festive stuff.

Superstar by Nicola Wren

Chris Martin of Coldplay’s little sister tries to escape her brother’s shadow and prove she’s brilliant in her own right. This was a big hit at the
Edinbrugh fringe this summer.
Southwark Playhouse, London, 26 Nov – 21 December 2019
More information and tickets.

Messiah by Bear Trap Theatre

A retelling the story (and assassination of) of Black Panther member Fred Hampton, highlighting the revolutionary potential of politically engaged young people and the will to make a difference, whatever the cost.
Stratford Circus Arts Centre, London 27 – 30 Nov, plus UK touring
More information and tickets.

The Undefinable by She Goat

Live radio gig-theatre exploring unconventional relationships and celebrating the unusual and underrepresented qualities of love. Two dudes. Well, kind of dudes. A garage studio. A late night broadcast. Time slips between noughties love-pop, 70s folk fever and 18th century French philosophy. The dudes slip between instruments. Everything gets tangled.
Camden People’s, London 10 – 31 December 2019
More information and tickets.

Ravens: Spassky vs. Fischer

It’s the chess game of the century, Spassky the World Champion and the maverick superstar Fischer. A gripping psychological thriller depicting a match that became a signature event of the Cold War, exploring how two very different individuals were co-opted to stand for contrasting political systems.
Hampstead Theatre, London 29 Nov 2019 – 18 Jan 2020
More information and tickets.

You Game by Murphy Ra Entertainment

A modern, female led, take on the Tony Award-winning classic Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer. An immensely successful screenwriter lures his wife’s lover to the house and convinces her to stage a robbery of her jewellery; setting off a chain of events that leaves the audience trying to decipher what is true, and what is fiction for the sake of the game.
RADA theatre, London, 26 – 30 Nov 2019
More information and tickets.