Festive Magic Comes Alive
Christmas at Backyard Cinema has returned with remarkable flair, this time inside the newly transformed Enchanted Forest Theatre on Tanner Street, the very warehouse visitors will recognise from Dragons’ Den and The Voice, writes Luigia Minichiello.
I visited for a showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol, already a firm festive favourite, and found it elevated into a full-scale Christmas adventure that blends film, live performance, and moments of genuine seasonal magic.
From the moment you step through the doors of the Victorian building, you’re swept into a living, breathing Christmas world. Towering evergreens, real bark crunching softly underfoot, and warm, twinkling lights create the sensation of wandering into a winter fairy-tale. Before the film even begins, the venue feels alive.
The Mistletoe Band, an incredibly talented, high-energy troupe, set the tone beautifully. They playfully swapped instruments, showed off plenty of dance moves, and filled the room with familiar seasonal classics. At one point they left the stage and were joined by servers weaving through the crowd, and the whole space buzzed with joy. Their energy was infectious, and a brief appearance by a hula hooper inviting us to open hidden doors around the room added a fun, interactive twist. Behind those doors were themed cabin bars, cosy corners, and little nooks, all adding layers of charm and making the pre-show hour feel rich and wonderfully Christmassy.
We were told to expect additional performers in the forest—an aerial act, jugglers, and more though this didn’t appear during the matinee I attended. However, the transition into the Cosy Forest Cinema was still a delight. Guided by carol-singing, we made our way deeper into the “forest,” and as we settled into our seats, snow began to fall inside the theatre one of many magical details that made the experience feel special.
As for the film itself, The Muppet Christmas Carol absolutely shines in this setting. The humour lands perfectly, and Michael Caine’s iconic Scrooge remains as heartfelt as ever. Watching it in a room already brimming with goodwill and surrounded by yuletide scenery makes the familiar story feel fresh again, even for those of us who’ve watched it every year.
Backyard Cinema’s Christmas season promises spectacle, and this event truly captures what people love about the holidays: warmth, nostalgia, music, and the shared joy of experiencing something magical together. More Christmas show than traditional cinema, it’s a truly festive outing, and one I’d firmly call a must-do.
Christmas at Backyard Cinema is located at 49 Tanner Street SE3PL until 31st December.
Booking and full details: https://www.backyardcinema.co.uk/christmas-at-backyard-cinema-2025-london/
