Top 5: Alternative Xmas shows ft. Manchester Camerata & Cinderella

Look beyond the panto dames for brilliant Christmas entertainment in Manchester. We’ve picked the coolest yuletide happenings this December, from family entertainment that will delight the little ones, to cultural treats for those who are perhaps too old to sit on Santa’s knee. Fill your stocking with tickets now before they sell out. Check individual venues for family tickets and relaxed shows.

Manchester Collective: The End of Time
Discover a stirring seasonal experience as the Manchester Collective presents Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’. The French composer wrote this while interred by the Nazis and premiered the piece to prisoners and guards in the pouring rain. This evening of rich chamber music also features music by Ravel and Stravinsky.
Sat 2 Dec, The Stoller Hall, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1DA. Tel: 0333 130 0967 (Mon-Fri, 2-4pm), 8pm, £12, www.stollerhall.com

Cinderella (Cendrillon)
You shall go to the ball with Jules Massenet’s operatic take on the classic fairytale Cinderella. ‘Cendrillon’ features the RNCM Chorus and is sung in French, with a strong emphasis on comedy, drama and even sarcasm. As with other RNCM events, there are discounts for group bookings.
Wed 6 Dec – Sat 16 Dec, Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD. Tel: 0161 907 5200, 7.30pm, £21 – £34, www.rncm.ac.uk

Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
Wow! Said the Owl was such a big hit last year, Little Angel Theatre return with a story about a gentle wolf with a broken heart. Bring the whole family to hear the wolf’s side of the classic Red Riding Hood tale. He won’t gobble you up. Promise.
Thu 7 Dec – Sat 30 Dec (excl Sun, Mon & boxing day), HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN. Tel: 0161 200 1500, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £8.50, www.homemcr.org

Manchester Festive Happening: A Gospel Christmas
Manchester Camerata will raise the roof with the AMC Gospel Choir in the majestic converted Wesleyan chapel, Albert Hall. Tuck into mince pies and mulled wine to the heavenly strains of ‘Handel’s Soulful Messiah’ while classic Christmas carols are liberally sprinkled with uplifting gospel music.
Sun 10 Dec, Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR. Tel: 0161 817 3490, 3pm, £22 – £38.50, www. alberthall.com

Christmas No.1 (POP) Singalong!
If you missed him on The One Show, don’t forget to catch The Rainer Hersch Orkestra for a rip-roaring ride through Christmas number one singles. This family show is a fully interactive affair, as you clap, stamp and sing along to ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and more.
Mon 18 Dec, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000, 7.30pm, £17 – £35, www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk