Southend Theatres continues partnership with Wind Song Theatre as new show commissioned for Christmas 2026
Following the success of the partnership formed in 2025 between the Palace Theatre and Wind Song Theatre, which produced the 2025 Christmas show, a new show has been commissioned for Christmas 2026
Following the success of the partnership formed in 2025 between the Palace Theatre and Wind Song Theatre, which produced the 2025 Christmas show, a new show has been commissioned for Christmas 2026
This year Wind Song will create a brand new original adaptation of Christmas classic The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief will open on Wednesday 16 December and run until Sunday 27 December and will be suitable for the whole family.
Wind Song Theatre’s production of The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre for Christmas 2025 received glowing reviews and brought the story to life with imagination and wonder. The company has established a reputation for creating performances that engage and delight audiences both young and old, with original music and novel design.
The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief is an exciting reimagining of ETA Hoffman’s fairytale The Nutcracker and The Mouse King written in 1816. Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet adaptation The Nutcracker premiered in 1892 and the story has been a favourite at Christmas for generations. Wind Song’s new production is a musical adventure with no ballet shoes or tutus but fantastic story telling and festive spirit.
The Palace is operated by Trafalgar Theatres, part of Trafalgar Entertainment. Situated on the London Road Westcliff, the Palace has been entertaining audiences since 1912, drawing visitors from across Essex. Alongside the Cliffs Pavilion, it forms Southend Theatres, the region’s leading live entertainment venues.
Wind Song co-directors Lily Streames and Rebecca Ward said that they are “delighted to return to the Palace Theatre for our second year working on this exciting Christmas season with Trafalgar. We’re thrilled to continue to create special memories for families and children with this magic new adaptation of a classic.”
Nick Parr, Theatre Director, Southend Theatres said “We were extremely pleased with last year’s co-production of The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre and had no hesitation in inviting Wind Song Theatre back for 2026. The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief will delight everyone from four-year-olds to great-grandparents with the magical story-telling live on our stage.”
Wind Song Theatre’s production of The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre for Christmas 2025 received glowing reviews and brought the story to life with imagination and wonder. The company has established a reputation for creating performances that engage and delight audiences both young and old, with original music and novel design.
The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief is an exciting reimagining of ETA Hoffman’s fairytale The Nutcracker and The Mouse King written in 1816. Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet adaptation The Nutcracker premiered in 1892 and the story has been a favourite at Christmas for generations. Wind Song’s new production is a musical adventure with no ballet shoes or tutus but fantastic story telling and festive spirit.
The Palace is operated by Trafalgar Theatres, part of Trafalgar Entertainment. Situated on the London Road Westcliff, the Palace has been entertaining audiences since 1912, drawing visitors from across Essex. Alongside the Cliffs Pavilion, it forms Southend Theatres, the region’s leading live entertainment venues.
Wind Song co-directors Lily Streames and Rebecca Ward said that they are “delighted to return to the Palace Theatre for our second year working on this exciting Christmas season with Trafalgar. We’re thrilled to continue to create special memories for families and children with this magic new adaptation of a classic.”
Nick Parr, Theatre Director, Southend Theatres said “We were extremely pleased with last year’s co-production of The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre and had no hesitation in inviting Wind Song Theatre back for 2026. The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief will delight everyone from four-year-olds to great-grandparents with the magical story-telling live on our stage.”
Reviews for The Snow Queen Christmas 2025
“My girls left the theatre skipping on the pavement like Gerda had done while on her adventure and they said “it was the best Christmas show they had seen.”
Southend Echo
“This is a very slick, child-centred, modern take on the famous fairy tale for everyone to enjoy at Christmas.”
Southend Theatre Scene
“If you’re looking for an alternative to the big-budget, big-name pantomimes that flood the Christmas schedules every year, The Snow Queen is it. This is a captivating show full of heart and magic, with a story that will resonate long after you’ve left the theatre.”
Leigh on Sea.com
