Panto round-up: Shows taking place near you

Until Friday, December 30

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Norden Farm

Sam Lacey is full of ideas but a bit rubbish at making shoes – an unfortunate trait in a shoemaker.

Every day, from his tiny flat in a tall building in a large town he dreams up footwear innovations.

The problem is his customers, who always end up wanting a refund when they find his products aren't quite up to scratch.

But his fortunes look set for a turnaround when, one night, two magical friends climb through his window and get to work cutting, stitching and gluing.

Featuring puppets and music, this show by the Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company looks a winner for all the family.

Saturday, December 10 – Saturday, December 31

Cinderella

Wycombe Swan

Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson will be sprinkling fairy dust on High Wycombe when she takes on the role of the Fairy Godmother in this year’s production of Cinderella.

She will be joined by Pineapple Dance Studios’ Louie Spence, playing the Prince’s loyal manservant, Dandini, and comedian and ex-EastEnders actor Bobby Davro as Buttons.

Wednesday, November 30 – Sunday, January 8

Jack and the Beanstalk

Windsor Theatre Royal

Ex-Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner will be weighing anchor in Windsor for the panto season as she takes on the role of the Fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Trading his skates for the stage, she will be joined by Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardiner as the Giant’s Henchman, while the Giant himself will be voiced by national treasure Brian Blessed.

They will be joined by Timmy Mallett, providing monarchical mayhem as the King, and Kevin Cruise as Simple Simon.

Wednesday, November 30 – Tuesday, January 3

Cinderella

South Hill Park

Will Cinderella make it to the ball?

How much Polyfilla does it take to keep an Ugly Sister ugly?

Can you even buy glass slippers in Bracknell?

All these vital questions and more will be answered in this telling of the classic fairy tale at South Hill Park.

Tuesday, December 20 – Wednesday, December 28

Sleeping Beauty

The Curve, Slough

The Princess might be asleep, but there’s enough larger than life characters in this production at Slough’s newest venue to keep even the most mince pie-filled grandparent riveted.

Visit www.thecurveslough.com to find out more.

Thursday, January 12 – Saturday, January 14

Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group: The Dragon's Egg

Loddon Hall, Twyford

The dragon is one of the good guys for once in this original production by the Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group, which was first performed in 1994.

The Red Witch has stolen its egg and all the heroes have been turned to stone, leaving just Arthur and his friends to save the day.

Visit www.twyrusdrama.org.uk to find out more.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Desborough Suite, Maidenhead Town Hall

Wednesday, December 14 until Sunday, December 18

Maidenhead Drama Guild will bring their passion and Christmas cheer to the town hall this December.

The pantomime will follow the classic tale of Jack in his quest to find a golden egg, but he must just have to conquer the beanstalk first...

The show will feature Jack the hero, with his dotty mum Dame Trott, his idiotic step brother Dozy Den, the evil Poison Ivy and a 12 foot Giant Blunderbore.

Simon Kelly, director said: “Rehearsals are going really well with energy, commitment and enthusiasm from the cast and chorus. The script is great fun with some very messy slapstick, corny jokes, great songs and plenty of opportunity for the audience to get involved.

“We may not have the TV celebrities but we absolutely have the passion, energy, talent and fun factor to make this a great show for everyone.”

Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, January 8

Snow White

Reading Hexagon

CBeebies star Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse, winner of the UK Panto Fans Award for best Dame, head up the cast in this festive offering.

Will Justin the Jester uncover the evil Queen’s plot to murder Snow White. And what about the seven dwarves living in the forest?

Friday, December 2 – Saturday, December 10

The Riverside Players: Pinocchio

Old Windsor Memorial Hall

Desperate for a family of their own, puppet maker Geppetto and his wife Momma Geppetto are thrilled when Pinocchio comes to life.

Together with his friend Jiminy Cricket he ventures into the world beyond his father's workshop, meeting fairies, sinister fairground owner Stromboli and a host of other characters.

Visit www.riversideplayers.com to find out more.

The best of the rest:

Friday, January 13 – Saturday, January 28

Lane End Players: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Lane End Village Hall

Visit www.laneendplayers.com to find out more.

Wednesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 11

Colnbrook Amateur Stage Theatre: Mother Goose

Colnbrook Village Hall

Visit www.cast-online.org.uk to find out more.

Thursday, January 19 – Saturday, January 21

Hurst Pantomime Group: The Snow Queen

Hurst Village Hall

Visit www.hurstpanto.org.uk to find out more.

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