What's on in East London this weekend, 30th November and 1st December, 2019

A Christmas Carol

A one-man performance, by West End and television actor John Elnaugh, of Charles Dickens' phenomenally popular Christmas classic as loved and relevant today as it was on its first publication in December 1843.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, December 1, 3pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Chingford Charity Christmas Fayre

This free entry event will feature a free under-cover ice skating rink, kid’s entertainer and live music in the style of bands/choirs/carols. The only stalls will be charity stalls. There will be a Santa’s grotto, kids’ rides, food and licensed bar.

Motorpoint, 1 Lea Valley Road, Chingford, E4 7PX, Sunday, December 1, 10am to 4pm. Details: 020 8559 4500

Robin Hood

Deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the poor to pile up his gold, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marian and her hilarious Nurse Nellie. But the Sheriff hasn’t banked on our arrow-slinging hero Robin emerging from Sherwood Forest to target the hand of Marion and outwit the villain’s plans. Can Robin save the day with a little help from Friar Tuck and his band of plucky Merry Folk? After the success of 2018’s Jack and the Beanstalk, this swashbuckling panto is twanging to the beats of pop hits from across the decades, traditional audience participation and laugh-out-loud family silliness.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Thursday, November 28, to Sunday, January 5. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Peter Pan

When Peter Pan and his fairy friend Tinkerbell fly into the bedroom of the Darling children one night, a treasure chest of magical adventures begins. Fly with Peter, Wendy, John and Michael to Neverland and meet the brave Lost Boys, the fearsome Tiger Lily and friendly Smee as Peter Pan takes on his old enemy - the dashing but villainous Captain Hook and his band of dastardly pirates. Hook has more than one foe to contend with in the form of a hungry, tick-tocking crocodile who has already had a taste of Hook’s hand and is now after the rest of him! In association with the Chelmsford Civic Theatre, One From The Heart brings another soaring production to Chelmsford, featuring magnificent scenery, dynamic dance routines, stunning costumes, an abundance of comedy, plenty of audience participation and heaps of fairy dust.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, various times. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk

Life is good for the Trott family and their farm is thriving more than ever, but there is one slight problem…Giant Blunderbore! It all takes a turn for the worse when the Giant kidnaps Daisy the Cow and the rest of Dame Trott’s beloved animals. Will Jack be able to fight Giant Blunderbore and save Daisy? What might be just a bag of old beans turns out to be just the start of a new adventure for the Trott family. Expect new surprises, jaw-dropping effects and lots of old and new laughs for all the family.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, various times. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Cinderella

Cinderella's life started out like a fairy tale, but when things took a turn for the worse she found herself living with her hideous, horrible step sisters. But this Christmas Eve everything will change. Expect laughter, tears and magic in this brand new adaptation of the classic fairytale, brought to life by the warm-hearted mischief makers behind last year's sell-out success, A Christmas Carol.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Thursday, November 28, to Saturday, December 7, various times. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Christmas Memories

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with their biggest ever production of their hit show, filled with songs and stunning costumes, bringing you an unforgettable afternoon of festive nostalgia, taking audiences back to a time when Christmas really was the most wonderful time of the year. Be transported back on a yuletide sleigh ride filled with over 60 all-time favourite Christmas songs and carols.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, December 1, 1.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Festive Folk Tale

The Lord of Misrule comes to the museum to spin the festive yarn of Dick Whittington, who rose to become the Lord Mayor of London. Join the ‘feast of fools’ or try your hand at being a jester in this interactive storytelling session.

Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 4AL, Sunday, December 1, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk

Le Corsaire

On the bazaar square of Andrinopolis, the Pacha is struck by the beauty of Medora and tries to buy her, but the lovely young woman is not for sale. As the transaction is about to come to a close, Medora is kidnaped by Conrad, a charming corsair who catches her eye. Le Corsaire remains a breath taking production with luxurious cinematic sets and a shipwreck, bringing the magic of the Bolshoi to life.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, November 30, 4pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Jibbering Jester Comedy Club

A jam-packed night of hilarious entertainment by well-known stand-ups and comedy acts from television, radio and stage. Come and see seven comedians, guaranteeing you a value-for-money night of funny.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, December 1, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk