An Oscar Wilde inspired comedy, Russian drama and The Twelve Days of Christmas also amongst theatre presents.
• Lord Arthur Savile's Crime
Sewell Barn Theatre, Constitution Hill, Norwich, until December 10, 7.30pm, 2.30pm Dec 10, £9 (£7 cons), 01603 628319, www.sewellbarn.org.uk
With his wedding imminent, blameless Lord Arthur's life of good fortune is thrown into disarray when he has his fortune told and finds himself obliged to commit a murder before the celebratory nuptials can take place. What follows in Constance Cox's comedy, based on Oscar Wilde's story, are his hilarious and ridiculous attempts to kill off members of his own large and wealthy family, for the sake of his beloved Sybil and their marriage. Rob Morris, who is directing this Sewell barn production, said: 'This is probably the most frivolous play I have ever had the privilege to direct, it is one of the silliest but certainly a very funny show.' Lord Arthur Savile ixs played by Matt Scantlebury, while Lady Sybil Merton is being played by Nicola Myers.
• Tocka: A Triptych of Russian Plays
Drama Studio, UEA, Norwich, until December 10, 7.30pm, £7 (£5 cons), 01603 592272, www.tocka-uea.com
A trio of classic Russian plays being staged as part of a collaboration between final year UEA drama students and academics. The Storm (Dec 9), is Alexander Ostrovsky's beautiful tragedy, which has been translated by Frank McGuinness. Tolstoy's lesser known comedy, The Fruits of Enlightenment (Dec 10, 2pm), translated by Michael Frayn, is a game of cat and mouse with three peasants seeking land and two lovers caught in the middle. Meanwhile Chekhov's final play, The Cherry Orchard (Dec 10), translated by Michael Frayn, has the grieving Lyuba Ranyevskaya returning home to her beloved estate from a hedonistic escape in Paris. A heartbreaking study of a family under threat.
• The Twelve Days of Christmas
Garboldisham Village Hall, December 10, 7.30pm, £12 (£9 cons), £30 family, 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk
Distraction Theatre Company presents this festive play that follows Miss Elizabeth Fairfax and her rather unusual Christmas of 1895. It is the eve before Christmas and Elizabeth – a single lady who lives a most ordinary life – receives a house call from a Mr Edward Fitzwilliam and his carol singers. He is at once enchanted by Miss Elizabeth's beauty and decides, right then and there, that he will marry. But will he ever win Elizabeth's heart? An innovative new writing, absurd humour and improvisation for that warm fuzzy festive feeling.
• The Hound of the Baskervilles
Holkham Hall, December 10-11, 6.30pm, £16, £10 children, 01328 713111, www.holkham.co.uk
Christmas Theatre returns to Holkham with performances this weekend by Rain or Shine Theatre Company of The Hound of the Baskervilles in the stately home's new events venue, The Lady Elizabeth Wing, which will be specially decorated for Christmas. Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this famous tale dates back to 1902. Sherlock Holmes, the master solver of criminal mysteries looks into the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, whilst strange events begin to take place in the haunting countryside. Child tickets for ages 5-16, though the performance is recommended for ages 12+
• A Christmas Carol
Auden Theatre, Holt, December 12, 7.30pm, £10 (£8 cons), 01263 713444, www.audentheatre.co.uk
A Christmas Carol was the first public performance Charles Dickens gave of his own work. He enacted it over 150 times. 'The success was most wonderful and prodigious – perfectly overwhelming and astounding altogether!' he said after the first night. It is of course perfect for seasonal theatre and here European Arts Company will faithfully recreate Dickens's famous performance. Directed by Peter Craze and performed by John O'Connor, a seasonal treat in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future.
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