This month, Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Lyric Hammersmith (November 21-January 3), and Aladdin is at the Hackney Empire (November 28-January 9). Also aimed at families is The Gruffalo (November 25-January 10). This one's about a mouse, a fox, an owl and the title character, all drummed up by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Also family-oriented at the above-mentioned Lyric Hammersmith is Christmas Baking Time (November 27-January 3), which has two playful bakers fighting the elements to perform their culinary tasks. Parents and grandparents may also want to note that The Nutcracker is at the Royal Opera House (November 26-January 1).