Theatre Peckham's Christmas show for its 40th anniversary year is A Ladd In Peckham, a new family musical from writer Geoff Aymer and composer Jordan Xavier, running from 4-23 December 2026.
A Ladd In Peckham opens at Theatre Peckham on Friday 4 December 2026 and runs until Wednesday 23 December, with press night on Tuesday 8 December at 7pm. It is the venue's festive production for 2026, the year it turns 40.
The hero is Al, a young dreamer whose imagination runs well ahead of his circumstances. Then a mysterious stranger and a genie turn up, the wishes start, and fame, money and temptation tug him in different directions until he learns that what matters most cannot be conjured. The show's own line sets it up: "1 Lad. 2 Phones. 3+ Wishes. Peckham's about to get magical."
Expect original songs, comedy and audience participation, pitched at all ages. Suzann McLean, Theatre Peckham's CEO and artistic director, directs, and professional performers share the stage with young members of the theatre's Academy.
Suzann McLean said: "A Ladd In Peckham captures everything that makes Theatre Peckham so special. It's a production where talent meets opportunity, bringing together professional artists and young performers from our Academy on the same stage."
Writer and lyricist Geoff Aymer and composer Jordan Xavier return after the theatre's earlier Christmas shows. Those include Rapunzel, relocated to a Peckham hairdresser's and OFFie-nominated for Best Choreography; Scroogelicious, a remix of A Christmas Carol; and The Wonderful, drawn from L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz and OFFie-nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
Aymer said: "At its core, the show is about believing in yourself, valuing your community, and recognising that the greatest gifts in life can't be granted by a genie. So always be the real version of yourself."
Set and costumes are by Ian Teague, lighting by Jahmiko Marshall and sound by Kim Nickerson. Ben Christopher is musical director, Shakeil Edwards choreographs, and Joe Bernstein is assistant director and company stage manager.
Founded in 1986 by Teresa Early, Theatre Peckham is a learning theatre for young people in South-East London; John Boyega is among its graduates.
The theatre is at 221 Havil Street, London SE5 7SB. Tickets are £18 for general admission, £15 for concessions and £10 for Peckham locals.
For more information, visit the official website.
