From Mufasa to Gavin and Stacey: a complete guide to the week’s entertainment in the UK

Mufasa: The Lion King is now available! Have you ever wondered how Scar got his name? This prequel delves into those questions and more, exploring the early years of Mufasa, the young lion cub who lost his life as king in the 1994 animated classic, leaving a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is now available! The most notorious antagonist in British animation – and arguably in British cinema – is back. Feathers McGraw, the wicked penguin from Wallace and Gromit’s classic escapade, The Wrong Trousers, is once again here to outsmart Aardman’s beloved pair. It's tough to imagine a more perfect Christmas gift – maybe just a tasty piece of Wensleydale cheese would come close!

"Baby John" is a Hindi-language action thriller released on Christmas Day and directed by the filmmaker known as Kalees. The story follows a police officer, played by Varun Dhawan, who stages his own death to protect himself and ensure his daughter's safety while living in hiding. However, he faces opposition from his antagonist, portrayed by Jackie Shroff, who has different plans in mind.

Spirited Away will be back in theaters this Christmas, making it a magical way to celebrate Boxing Day. The scene where certain family members turn into overindulgent pigs might resonate especially well during the holiday season. In January, there will be screenings in IMAX theaters, featuring a live introduction from the charming hosts of the popular podcast Ghibliotheque. – Catherine Bray

**RnB Christmas Ball** **The O2, London, December 22** The popular 90s R&B celebration is returning for its second year, although the lineup has changed slightly after original headliners Jodeci had to withdraw. Back on stage are the beloved SWV, accompanied by the talented Keith Sweat, known for his hit "Tell Me It’s Me You Want." Also performing is the supergroup TGT, which includes Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank. - Michael Cragg

The Lottery Winners will be performing at Manchester Academy from December 27 to 29. Before their upcoming fourth album, Koko, which is set to release in February and follows last year's unexpected chart success, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, this indie pop group will host three shows in their hometown. It’s an ideal opportunity to enjoy some post-Christmas fun before diving back into the leftovers. MC

An Italian Christmas Wigmore Hall, London, December 23 As part of a concert featuring music from the Italian baroque era, which highlights pieces by Alessandro Stradella and the well-known Christmas Concerto by Arcangelo Corelli, the Dunedin Consort, accompanied by a group of five vocalists, will present the premiere of a new piece commissioned from Caroline Shaw. - Andrew Clements

Down for the Count Orchestra performed at Turner Sims in Southampton on December 22. While enthusiasts of cutting-edge contemporary improvisation might overlook the Down for the Count Orchestra, which has been around for 20 years and specializes in faithful renditions of classic 1930s and 40s tunes by artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, their festive Christmas performance captures the lively rhythm and spirit of jazz when it was the leading pop music of the time. - John Fordham

From Dürer to Van Dyck at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, until February 23. This exhibition showcases the incredible beauty of Northern European art through a collection of drawings featuring unique subjects, such as a deer adorned with antlers resembling coral and a lion-faced mask. The display also includes realistic pieces, like Rembrandt’s depiction of an actor rehearsing his lines. It's a wonderful Christmas gift for art enthusiasts.

**Silk Roads Exhibition at the British Museum, London, Until February 23** Experience the legendary journey of the Magi, the famed bearers of gifts from the Christmas narrative, in this exploration of the trade routes that linked the East and West during ancient and medieval periods. With an array of spices and treasures, this grand exhibition captures the spirit of the season.

Birds: Amazing and Unusual Natural History Museum, London, until January 5 This exhibition is perfect for the holiday season, offering a fun and informative look at evolution for everyone. It highlights how contemporary birds are, in fact, descendants of dinosaurs and examines the incredible ways they have evolved various skills and behaviors. Watch hummingbirds perform their mesmerizing dances, see how owls stalk their prey, and engage with interactive displays that make the world of birds come alive.

The Traumatic Surreal exhibit at the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds runs until March 16. As we near the end of the year marking a hundred years since the inception of surrealism in Paris in 1924, this exhibition provides a unique perspective on the movement. It highlights how, following World War II, women artists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland embraced surrealism's focus on the mind and inner experiences. Featured artists include Méret Oppenheim and Pipilotti Rist. — Jonathan Jones

**Live at Christmas** **Cambridge Corn Exchange, December 21** Every year, a talented group of comedians comes together for a performance that, while not strictly holiday-themed, is sure to bring plenty of joy. This edition boasts the insightful Sara Pascoe, Australian comic Steen Raskopoulos, the self-deprecating Ivo Graham, and the consistently outstanding Rhys James and Suzie Ruffell. Written by Rachel Aroesti.

Circa: Duck Pond at Royal Festival Hall, London, until December 30 The Australian group Circa ranks among the top choices for modern circus performances that blend theatre and artistry. This particular show leans toward humor—its name is a playful take on Swan Lake—and is likely to entertain audiences with its impressive stagecraft, visual spectacle, and remarkable feats. Lindsey Winship

**St Nicholas at the Omnibus Theatre, London - Until Christmas Eve** Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday festivities? If so, consider experiencing this intriguing tale by Conor McPherson, known for his play The Weir. Nick Danan takes the lead role in this eerie narrative, which revolves around a weary theatre critic, a poorly negotiated deal, and a group of contemporary vampires. Don't miss out! - Kate Wyver

**Alice in Wonderland** *Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot, until January 11* Join Alice on a delightful journey as she returns to the enchanting world of Wonderland. This lively sequel to the beloved original, adapted by Nick Lane, features Alice teaming up with her familiar friends to battle sinister villains and the troublesome jam tarts that erase memories.

Outnumbered Christmas Special airs on iPlayer and BBC One, Boxing Day, at 9:15 PM. Get ready for some delightful nostalgia from the 2000s with this reunion episode featuring Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner from the fantastic family sitcom. After eight years since the last holiday special, and 17 years after the show first launched, the adorable kids have all matured, but they are still giving their frazzled parents a run for their money.

**Gavin and Stacey: The Finale** **iPlayer & BBC One, Christmas Day, 9pm** Britain's beloved sitcom is back for one last hurrah. As its title suggests, this is the final encounter between the characters from Billericay and Barry that we'll see on our screens. While it’s bittersweet, having a 95-minute farewell special is a nice treat, and fans can look forward to finally getting answers about Uncle Bryn’s infamous fishing trip.

Just over three years ago, "Squid Game," a darkly humorous South Korean thriller centered around a deadly yet highly profitable game show, burst onto the scene and captured worldwide attention. Now, as Netflix prepares to launch the second season, they're hoping to replicate that success. This time, the former champion Gi-hun is back, aiming to take down the competition once and for all.

From Roger Moore With Love will air on iPlayer & BBC Two this Christmas Day at 9pm. This elegant documentary pays tribute to the smoothest Bond we've ever had, created in partnership with his family. Narrated by Moore's children and famous personalities like Joan Collins and Christopher Walken, it chronicles his journey from modest beginnings in south London to a glamorous life in Hollywood, all through his uniquely witty portrayal of 007. RA

**Alien: Rogue Incursion** is now available on PSVR, Meta Quest, and Steam VR. If you’re comfortable putting on a headset and don’t mind feeling a bit silly while jumping in fear in your own living room, this game could be just what you need. You take on the role of a soldier on a mission to find your missing friend in a colony that feels eerily deserted. Experience a world filled with pulse rifles, motion detectors, and face-huggers in a fully immersive virtual reality environment.

Botany Manor is now available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Switch. If you're looking for a calmer gaming experience, this beautiful first-person puzzle game invites you to care for plants, explore the estate of the manor, read letters, and unravel small, gentle mysteries. It's the perfect way to unwind. — Luke Holland

Say Lou Lou has released their latest album, Dust. Twin sisters Anna and Elektra Kilbey-Jansson create airy pop music that's ideal for an LA sunset. Allow this third album to take you on a journey beyond the mundane with the danceable vibes of the title track and the beautiful longing expressed in "Waiting for a Boy."

Saint Etienne – The NightOut Building on the relaxed vibe of their 2021 album, I’ve Been Trying to Tell You, the cherished British pop group Saint Etienne explores even more immersive sounds in this new release. Capturing the transition between wakefulness and slumber, snippets of conversation and ambient noises drift in and out. Tracks like Nightingale highlight the beautiful vocals of Sarah Cracknell.

Jennifer Hudson – The Gift of Love American Idol star and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson has just released her debut Christmas album. While the album mainly features cover songs, including Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" and "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, it also includes four original tracks. One standout is the smooth, heartfelt song "Almost Christmas," which features rapper Common.

Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around… Again It's finally here! Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree" has established itself as a contemporary holiday classic, and I'm ready to defend that claim against anyone who disagrees. If you're a fan—and you definitely should be—there's even more holiday cheer in this new version of her 2021 album. It now features the song "You For Christmas," produced by the talented Mark Ronson. MC

Staying In: Foods To Boost Your Brainpower

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With the holiday season here, there’s no better moment to revisit the piano or any other instrument that may have been collecting dust, and to improve your musical abilities. This all-in-one music theory app is an excellent resource for learning at your own pace.

This Is Africa: Magic System December 21, BBC World Service Ivorian group Magic System, famous for their hit song "Premier Gaou" from 2000, has established themselves as leaders in the fusion of dance music from West Africa. In this detailed interview, the band discusses their beginnings and the charitable initiatives they are currently involved in, particularly in the field of education. By Ammar Kalia