#SeasonsReadings from page to screen
Although maybe not the most celebrated Christmas tradition, for us it’s up there in the merry-making stakes with carol concerts and leaving out a mince pie for Santa. Come December, we’re always poised, highlighter in hand, to plan our Christmas viewing with our bumper edition Radio Times. This year we’re particularly excited, as some of our bookish friends are making their big screen debuts. Here’s what we’ll be watching, and reading, this Yuletide.
Christmas Eve
After a last minute dash round the shops and the Christmas dinner preperations are done, settle down with two children’s classics, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. These Vintage Classics editions make perfect viewing companions.
Treasure Island, 11:25am – 1:25pm, More 4.
Little Women, 2:35pm – 4:25pm, BBC Two.
Christmas Day
What is Christmas Day afternoon for if not dozing in front of the TV in an oversized paper hat with your bookish Christmas presents? Swot up on your Doctor Who monsters ahead of this year’s Christmas special and tell the original story of Puss in Boots to younger family members while you’re waiting for your figgy pudding. Last but not least, read (and sing) along with Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, no matter how old you are!
Doctor Who – Last Christmas, 6:15pm – 7:15pm, BBC One.
Puss in Boots, 3:10pm – 4:30pm, BBC One.
The Snowman, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Channel 4.
Boxing Day
If you’re still merrily tucking into your selection box on St Stephen’s Day, take a peek at Lucy Mangan’s Inside Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, while watching Gene Wilder as Roald Dahl’s iconic Willy Wonka.
Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, 4:50pm – 7pm, 5*.
New Year’s Day
The dawn of a new year is the time to practise new skills. Perfect the art of SDRAWKCAB GNIKLAT ahead of the New Year’s Day premiere of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot, staring Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench. And finally, prepare for an evening with Dublin’s most raucous family with Mrs Brown’s A-Y of Everything, and swot up ahead of the family Christmas special.
Esio Trot, 6:30pm – 8pm, BBC One.
Mrs Brown’s Boys, 9:35pm – 10:10pm, BBC One.
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