Arts Diary

HARLOW PLAYHOUSE, Playhouse Square, Harlow - (01279) 431945

PANTOMIME: Take flight to Neverland as The Playhouse hosts spectacular new panto Peter Pan all this month. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes former The Bill star Chris Ellison and Cbeebies presenter Jacob Scipio, the production follows the the tale of the boy who never grew up as he enlists the help of the Darling family to defeat evil nemesis Captian Hook. The show runs until January 2 and tickets cost between £13 and £18. For more information on performance times, log on to www.playhouseharlow.com or call (01279) 431945.

MUSIC: One of Britain's most popular touring groups bring their acclaimed Christmas show to the Playhouse on Sunday. Dressed in lavish period costume, The Locrian Ensemble will perform a host of carols and medleys of festive favourites and seasonal surprises in front of an evocative candlelit setting. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12 (£10 concessions).

ST JOHN’S ARC, St John’s Walk, Old Harlow – (01279) 442447

MUSIC: Acclaimed chorus group The New Edition Singers perform a rousing selection of Christmas chart-toppers at the ARC on Saturday. The special seasonal show will feature renditions of classics including Mary's Boychild, Mistletoe & Wine, White Christmas and many more, with pianist Lis Scott accompanying the group on piano. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8 including refreshments.

ART: A colourful new exhibition from amateur members of local art group Art-A-Peel continues at the ARC until December 18. Admission is free and many of the paintings are available for purchase.

GATEHOUSE ARTS, West Gate, Harlow – 07530 048739

ART: Step into a winter wonderland of thought-provoking art and stunning sculpture as artists from across Essex showcase their latest works in a dazzling open exhibition. The Winter Open runs until December 20 and admission is free.

GIBBERD GALLERY, Harlow Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow – (01279) 446655

ART: An intriguing new exhibition marking the first anniversary of town centre gallery Gatehouse Arts continues at the Gibberd Gallery until January 20. Drawn From Essex features work produced by the resident artists at the studios in West Gate and admission is free.

THE GALLERY, Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow – (01279) 426042

ART: If you want to get your loved ones something a little more exciting than socks this Christmas, pay a visit to The Gallery where unique gifts created by local artists and craftspeople are available to view and purchase as part of seasonal spectacular Present Arts. The exhibition runs until December 23 and admission is free.