It’s the shortest day of the year and if you have successful done all your Christmas shopping, sent all your cards and feel ready to start enjoying the holiday season, why not treat yourself to some Christmassy theatre in Dublin this weekend. Here are a couple of Alternative Christmas shows:

Moonfish are back in Smock Alley with their bi-lingual version of Pincchico – Tromluí Phinocchio – A Nightmare. This was a huge success in the Dublin Fringe Festival and they have developed and added to the show since then, making it bigger and better than ever. When I first saw this show in Nun’s Island Theatre in Galway at the beginning of the year, I was impressed with how well they combined the English and Irish languages. They find clever ways to make sure that even someone like me, who has never got on particularly well with the Irish language, could understand and enjoy the show. This creative inventiveness extends to every aspect of the show; where sound effects are created live on stage and props and lighting transform the space from Geppetto’s workshop, to a dark and scary wood, to the stomach of a whale. It’s a very enjoyable show for adults and (slightly older) kids alike. It might be a bit too scary for the smallies!

It’s on tonight at 7.30pm and there are two shows on Saturday, December 22 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets available here.

Pony Panto is probably not suitable for children but I can guarantee that adults will get some childish delight out of it. I saw Pony Dance in action for the first time during this year’s Dublin Fringe and they did not disappoint! Despite the technical and physical virtuosity, Straight to DVD was dance at it’s most tongue-in-cheek. It’s funny and silly and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like a dance-based sketch show wonderful fun. Pony Dance and panto are a great fit and I imagine this will be an all-singing, all-dancing festive night out!

Pony Panto is on at Project Arts Centre, December 21 and 22 at 8pm. Tickets available here.