Hello boys and girls, it’s that time of year again (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is...) All over the country familiar faces are transforming into plucky dreamers, pantomime dames and fairy godmothers. Whether they are trying to stage a career comeback or just love throwing sweets at children; television personalities, pop stars and actors are arriving in their hoards to entertain Britain’s panto-goers.
Here’s where to find your favourite stars...
Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates
15 Dec – 27 Jan at the Birmingham Hippodrome
This swashbuckling panto stars Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph and former I’m A Celeb contestant and panto staple Brian Conley. Now THAT's a good night out... right?
Sleeping Beauty
8 Dec – 6 Jan at Bournemouth Pavillion
And Brian Conley isn’t the only I’m A Celeb contestant to take to the stage. Catch former Time Lord Colin Baker as he transforms into Nurse Nelly for the Bournemouth Pavillion’s annual pantomime.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
7 Dec – 5 Jan at High Wycombe's Swan Theatre
Strictly’s very own pantomime villain Craig Revel-Horwood is teaming up with ex-contestant Ann Widdecombe for what promises to be a hilarious panto. Craig – in what we must say is magnificent drag – plays the Wicked Queen while Widdecombe plays Widdy in Waiting. No news on whether she’ll be flying on to the stage, but it’s probably worth going just to find out.
Cinderella
21 – 30 Dec at York Barbican
Don’t be late for the (glitter) ball! Potential Strictly finalist Dani Harmer is teaming up with ex-EastEnders cheeky chappy and I’m a Celeb winner Joe Swash for North Yorkshire's take on the rags to riches story.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
12 Dec – 6 Jan at the Kings Theatre in Southsea
The lovely Lisa Riley is also getting in the panto spirit, but she's swapping her bubbly personality for a more sinister one as she takes on the role of the Wicked Queen. She's also starring alongside Marcus Patric... The name not ringing any bells? Remember hunky Hollyoaks fireman Ben Davies?
Peter Pan
8 Dec – 13 Jan at Manchester Opera House
Is there nothing this man won't try? David Hasselhoff is adding another string to his bow this Christmas by appearing in Peter Pan as ruthless pirate Captain Hook...
Cinderella
24 Nov – 5 Jan at the Hammersmith Lyric Theatre
If you’re still suffering from Bake Off withdrawals (and we are counting ourselves here...), this is the pantomime for you. This Cinderella stars Mel Giedroyc as the wicked stepmother. There are bound to be some GBBO-style puns but definitely of the pre-watershed kind.
Peter Pan
30 Nov to 6 Jan at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley
Churchill Theatre’s Peter Pan is almost as star studded as these gigs come. Remember evil Dr Yusef Khan from EastEnders? It seems he is suffering from being typecast as he's playing the villainous Captain Hook. Brookside star Jennifer Ellison is also making an appearence - plus children’s TV fans (and their little ones) will be incredibly exicted to spot Balamory’s very own PC Plum ("If you call on me, we can make a cup of tea..") as Smee too.