Entertainment for all ages

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Published: 12:00am, 2 Dec 2011

As the end of the year approaches, Hong Kong's calendar of performing arts is packed with events which sell out quickly. Here are some highlights this festive season.

Cirque Mechanics - Birdhouse Factory is a family circus performance with influences from Stomp and the aerial wonders of Cirque de Soleil. The setting for this action-packed Las Vegas show is a factory where the workers are acrobats and the machinery doubles as props. With a team of trapeze artists, trampoline wall artists, acrobat-dancers and comedians, unlikely looking contortions and fun abound.

The show was created in 2004, and was inspired by the slapstick humour of Charlie Chaplin. Several of the artistes in this show formerly performed with Cirque du Soleil and the Moscow Circus. The company has toured in 70 cities in 11 countries around the world. December 3, 4 and 6-10, 7.45pm; matinees on December 3 at 3pm and December 4 at 11am and 4pm. The show takes place at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre. Tickets cost HK$295-$695 from HK Ticketing. For inquiries, call 25477150 or see www.aba-productions.com

Snowman comes to life

For a quieter but no less entertaining evening, don't miss The Snowman and The Bear. This seasonal special combines film and live orchestral music in a magical combination. The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong plays the evocative music of Howard Blake's Walking in the Air to accompany two animated films. In the first film, a little boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, taking him on a snowy adventure. In the second, a little girl takes off on an adventure with a mischievous polar bear. The show lasts for 70 minutes, with a 15-minute interval.

December 10, 2.30pm and 5pm, at Hong Kong City Hall Concert; December 11, 2.30pm at Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall. Tickets cost HK$75-HK$350 from Urbtix. For more information, see www.ccohk.com.

Classic festive ballet on sumptuous sets