PANTOS

Jack and the Beanstalk

Starring everyone’s favourite TV soap baddie Steve McFadden as the evil Fleshcreep, and Children’s TV star Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies’ Let’s Play). Joining them as Dame Trott is St Albans’ favourite funny man Bob Golding and a cast of top class supporting performers, complemented by lavish sets and costumes and a break dancing pantomime cow! Written and produced by former television presenter turned theatre supremo Paul Hendy, you can expect hilarious comedy, madcap antics, and fantastic singing and dancing.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, January 4, various times. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk

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Beauty and the Beast

Visit an enchanted world in this wonderful re-telling of the classic traditional tale that is as far from the Disney version as it comes.

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans Friday, December 19 to Monday, December 22 and again from Saturday, December 27 to Tuesday, December 30, various times. Details: 01727 844488, abbeytheatre.org.uk

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Don’t eat that apple Snow White! Well loved by children and adults alike, Snow White is a magical fairy tale and makes for an even better pantomime. Just make sure your voice in top shape if you’re hoping to help wake Snow White from her spell.

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, January 4, various times. Details: 01582 762880, harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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Sleeping Beauty

Once upon a time, in faraway land, a beautiful princess was born and the entire kingdom comes to celebrate her christening... but I think we all know it doesn’t quite go to plan... until a handsome prince comes along to break the curse. Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson, this family show features local favourites Helen Crosse and Mike Totton as Carabosse and Welwyn Willy and new addition Nick Collett as the Dame.

Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, from Saturday, December 20 to Saturday, January 3, various times. Details: 01707 357117, hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Sleeping Booty! (Over 18s Only)

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a beautiful princess was born and the entire kingdom came to celebrate! But then it all goes a bit Pete Tong... until a handsomely-endowed prince comes along to wake her up.

Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, from Saturday, December 27, 9pm. Details: 01707 357117, hawthornetheatre.co.uk

CHRISTMAS SHOWS

A Christmas Carol

This ghostly tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his life-changing visits to Past, Present and Future is brought to life in this exciting new musical adaptation. Keeping true to the original text, it draws upon the themes of time, family, and society’s ills to warm even the coldest of hearts. With a cavalcade of colourful Dickensian characters, this show is filled with joy, laughter and heartbreaking moments.

Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, December 12 to 31. Details: 01707 324300, barntheatre.co.uk

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The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmassness

Ho, ho, ho! Squashbox Theatre’s fantastic new family show is a celebration of everything festive, from fir trees, fairy lights, stockings and sleigh bells to cookies, crackers, presents and puddings! Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, hear the tale of the first Christmas tree, play hunt the Brussel’s sprout and endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper.

The Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield. December 14, 11am to noon. Details: 01707 281127, herts.ac.uk/about-us/events

Hansel and Gretel

With succulent music and film, puppets and masks, this Christmas Horse plus Bamboo have baked up a delicious treat of a show – dark, chewy and delicious at heart, yet coated with a sprinkle of something light, sweet and zesty. Hansel and Gretel promises to be a feast for the senses.

Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, Sunday, December 28, 20m and 4.30pm. Details: 01727 850950.

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The Snow Queen

Filled with the strange beauty of ice-cold winter and the warmth of true love, this Hans Christian Anderson fairytale offers the opportunity for the whole audience to sing the chorus songs and even for some children to join in as characters!

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead, from Sunday, December 21 to Wednesday, December 24, at various times. Details: 01442 228091, oldtownhall.co.uk

FURTHER AFIELD

Aladdin

While there is not a soap star in sight this pantomime features an abundance of local talent with more than 40 years’ experience producing traditional family pantomimes. Boo and hiss the nasty Wizard Abanazar as he seeks the power to rule the world. Cheer on our hero, as Aladdin goes in search of true love and helps to ensure good triumphs over evil.

The Court Theatre, Pendley, Tring, December 27 to 31. Details: 07543 560478, courttheatre.co.uk

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Aladdin

He’s better known as Barry Evans from EastEnders or for playing himself on Ricky Gervais’ Extras, but this Christmas Shaun Williamson will be showing us his darker side. Shaun will be taking on the role of dastardly magician Abanazaar and trying to thwart hero Aladdin as he battles to save the princess. So will good or evil prevail?

Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, January 25, at various times. Details: 01438 363200, gordon-craig.co.uk

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