THE GRUFFALO AT THE APOLLO THEATRE
Families looking for a child-friendly Christmas show without having to resort to watching I’m A Celebrity rejects in panto could plump for a stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s hugely popular kids’ book, The Gruffalo. Follow the mouse into the deep, dark wood and come face to face with the wheeler-dealer fox, an eccentric old owl, and of course the Gruffalo himself, in this musical modern classic. Until 10 Jan, Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1V 7Hd. Tickets £11.50-£14.50 from www.ticketmaster.co.uk
JESCA HOOP LIVE
The Manchester-based Californian Jesca Hoop has been something of a closely-guarded secret among folk pop afficianados, but that may well change. Guy Garvey of Elbow is among those touting her for big things, and as a former nanny to Tom Waits’s children, she should have a real superstar on her side. Her highly inventive, twisted ballads are comparable with the likes of Joanna Newsom and Bjork. 1 Dec, Slaughtered Lamb, Great Sutton St, EC1V 0DX. Tickets £7.50 from www.slaughteredlambpub.com
MONET AT HELLY NAHMAD
You don’t have to go to the large public art institutions to find a fine exhibition of Old Master work. Mayfair gallery Helly Nahmad is currently playing host to an excellent exhibition by the king of the French Impressionists, Claude Monet. The show takes in works from across the breadth of Monet’s long career, from his early scenes in the 1870s to the bold colour experiments of the early 20th century. Until 26 Feb, Helly Nahmad Gallery, 2 Cork Street, W16 3LB. Entry free. www.hellynahmad.com.