Arts Ahead: What's On In London 8-14 December

We've picked through the endless pantos to give you a more balanced view of London's cultural scene this week. Sure there's some damn-fine dames out there; there's also some ballet, opera, and a couple of art shows opening too...

Be There First: London Shows Opening

Decode: Digital Design Sensations opens at the V&A today. Other arty recommendations for you include Dan Coopey: Doodad at The Hayward (abstract digital prints and sculptures) and Edward Bawden's famous linocuts of Brighton Pier and Liverpool Street Station at the Fine Art Society.

Theatrewise, tonight is curtain up for 1984 at BAC and Red — John Logan's depiction of 20th century artist Mark Rothko — at the Donmar Warehouse.

Tomorrow sees the start of Southwark Playhouse's promenade performance of A Christmas Carol0 (the play's blurb promises to turn you into Victorian Clerks for the night, so long as you wear a thick coat, sturdy shoes and some Christmas cheer); alternatively, Camille O'Sullivan performs as The Dark Angel at the Apollo Theatre from tomorrow too.

*That* Aladdin opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday. As does Morecambe, Tim Whitnall's one man homage to the late great Eric Morecambe at the Duchess Theatre.

Boy Blue Entertainment brings its hip-hop Pied Piper to the Barbican from Friday. Over at the Purcell Room in the Southbank Centre, you can see Ennio Marchetto's numerous paper costumes as the quick-change artist shows off his origami skills.

Young kids in tow? Try a screwball Cinderella at the Unicorn Theatre or The Forest at the Young Vic from Thursday. Ballet-loving kids in tow? Try Les Patineurs / Tales of BeatrixPotter at the Royal Opera House from Monday.

Last Chance to See: London Shows Closing

You'll have to be quick if you want to see the Rupert-Goold directed Turandot at the Coliseum; it closes tomorrow. Get your skates on too to catch Anish Kapoor's much publicised Royal Academy take-over show: it closes on Friday.

Friday is also your last chance to see the 250th anniversary production of Handel's Messiah at the London Coliseum.

The Line closes at the Arcola on Saturday, as does Speaking in Tongues at the Duke of York's Theatre starring the lovely John Simm; it's also your last chance to see Lenny Henry's award-winning Othello at the Trafalgar Studios. Enjoy!