Cinderella
London Palladium
The good news is that panto is back at the Palladium after almost 30 years without the space resounding to the cry: “He’s behind you.” The bad news is that it is being produced by Qdos, so the script could be a bit paint by numbers. But the cast boasts such an array of top-class panto talent (Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary) and serious musical actors (Lee Mead and Natasha J Barnes, the latter so brilliant recently standing in for Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl) that everyone really should have a ball.
From 10 December-14 January, cinderellapalladium.com
Sleeping Beauty
Hackney Empire, London
The Hackney panto is hard to beat, not least because the cavernous Victorian venue was just made for the form. Even better, it’s a new show this year, set in that well-known fairytale kingdom of Hackneytonia. Kat B is back and playing Denzil the Dragon after starring as the Snowman in Jack and the Beanstalk last year, while the magnificent Sharon D Clarke stars as Carabosse, the wicked fairy. With her lung power, she should keep everyone awake, even that sleepyhead princess.
From 26 November-8 January, hackneyempire.co.uk
Cinderella
Theatre Royal, York
Refurbishment means it has been two years since panto was last seen on the stage of this beautiful theatre, so it should be coming home with a real swagger. The theatre will have been polishing up its glass slippers all year to ensure it retains its reputation as one of the best panto experiences in the land. This is also Berwick Kaler’s 38th year as the dame, which should mean this production is even more fun than before.
From 8 December-28 January, yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Beauty and the Beast
Liverpool Everyman
Rock’n’roll pantos thrive around the country, including at the New Wolsey in Ipswich and Theatr Clwyd in Wales. The Liverpool Everyman does it in style every year, and, although they seldom have any big names, they do use a tried and tested formula of witty scripts containing lots of local references, loads of glittery costumes, an onstage live band and plenty of numbers designed to get them dancing in the aisles. The title suggests that the roars of approval should be louder than ever.
From 26 November-21 January, everymanplayhouse.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
They take pantomime very seriously in Scotland, and you can often see glimpses of the music-hall tradition in shows all across the country, combined with distinct local styles and traditions. Glasgow and Edinburgh vie to be top of the panto pole. This year, Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott star in the story about a boy full of pluck who steals a giant’s golden harp. It should be full of beans, as the King’s seems to be trying to outdo itself every year in an effort to produce a panto that is bigger, brighter and sillier.
From 26 November-15 January, edtheatres.com
