1. Hamilton launches

The delays refurbishing the Victoria Palace Theatre have rather taken some of the shine off the opening of this Tony Award-winning musical which is now in previews from 6/12 with a 21/12 press night. We’ll be reviewing the Boxing Day show (if it’s opened by then). Still the hottest tickets in town

2. The Last Jedi opens

Carrie Fisher’s last film opens 14/12. We couldn’t be more pumped after the success of Force Awakens and the far more interesting Rogue One. We weren’t quite so keen on John Boyega as Woyzeck at the Old Vic this year but we’re looking forward to his Star Wars‘ character’s rumoured gay character development. Tickets

3. Dick Whittington arrives at the Palladium

Last year’s Palladium panto was one of the hits of our Christmas and we’re hoping for another smutty turn from one of our favourite stars, Julian Clary. Also stars Charlie Stemp (before his Broadway run in Half A Sixpence) and Emma Williams (so good in Mrs Henderson Presents). Runs 9/12 to 14/1/18. Tickets

4. A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic

We’ve seen some previews of this Jack Thorne adaptation of the classic directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Rhys Ifans. There’s lots of singing and handbell ringing with the opportunity of some audience participation. We’re much more excited about this than we thought we would be. Previews from 20/11, with a 29/11 press night and running until 20/1/18. Tickets

5. Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Queen in Snow White

Strictly judge Revel Horwood absolutely shone as Miss Hannigan in Annie until recently at the Piccadilly Theatre and transfers to Southampton’s Mayflower this Christmas. He plays the Wicked Queen in Snow White And The Seven Dwarves 15/12 to 7/1/18. Tickets

6. The League Of Gentleman returns

We’re at the BFI this month for a preview of the first of three new episodes and a Q&A with writers Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

7. Hurts in London

New fourth album Desire was a little too optimistic and upbeat for some of the band’s more die-hard fans. It’s live where Hurts make most sense and we can’t wait to hear how new material compares to former glories. They play 02 Academy Brixton and Manchester this month. Tickets

8. St Etienne tour

The Ets play a six-date UK tour this month including a gig at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. This year’s LP Home Counties is one of our favourites of the year and they can always be relied upon to play the hits. Especially at Christmas. Tickets

9. Belleville at the Donmar

We’ve been a little critical of the Donmar of the late but we’re there for the next three productions starting with this James Norton starrer. Runs 7/12 to 3/2/18. Tickets

• Main picture courtesy Neil Durham
• Enjoyed this preview? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com, Instagram and check us out on Facebook