IT’S THAT time of year again when you can treat yourself and your family to a good old traditional panto.
You can’t beat a bit of swashbuckling, singing along, and booing and hissing as the goodies and baddies of beloved shows take to the stage across the region.
Whether you opt for a performance in your village hall by one of our brilliant theatre groups or plump for an outing further afield to see the celebs, you are guaranteed a great night out.
Set sail with Robinson Crusoe on an exciting voyage at the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre in Bordon.
Pillaging pirates, daring quests and nautical escapades – along with more than a smattering of swashbuckling – are promised at performances taking place from January 14-23, at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
Will our eponymous hero reach the Temple of Treasure before the dastardly Blackheart and his crew of buccaneers?
Find out with the Phoenix Players as they present fun family shows full of side-splitting comedy, toe-tapping numbers and a host of hilarious characters.
Tickets are £9.50, with members and concessions £8.50. To book call 01420 472664, e-mail: info@ phoenixarts.co.uk or visit www.phoenixarts.co.uk
Another hero is tipping up in Headley as Robin Hood strides on to the stage at the village hall on January 15, 16, 22 and 23, at 8pm, with Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
Join Robin and his band of merry men and women with the Headley Theatre Club.
Tickets are available from 01428 717358, from the website www.headley-village. com/drama or from Tina’s Hairdressers.
Little ones will enjoy a festive offering at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, with the The Santa Trap.
This tells the tale of Bradley Bartleby who is so bad he plans to trap Santa and steal all his presents. Will Father Christmas escape the ambush? Will Bradley succeed in ruining Christmas?
With guillotines, tigers, an elephant and a house full of dynamite, young audiences are sure to love this action-packed, explosively funny new musical show.
It runs until January 3. Book on 023 9264 9000 or visit the website www.newtheatreroyal.com
Over at the King’s Theatre in Southsea they are inviting you to throw on your glad rags as your pumpkin awaits to whisk you off to Cinderella.
Starring James ‘Arg’ Argent of TV’s TOWIE fame, and singer and Carry On actress Anita Harris, it promises to be a glittering affair with lavish sets and wonderful costumes.
Cinderella runs until January 2. Visit website www.kingsportsmouth.co. uk for more information.
Talking of handsome heroes, there’s another treading the boards at the Mayflower in Southampton.
Blue’s Duncan James brings his perfect pecs and immaculate singing voice to the role of Aladdin.
Joe Pasquale is the epitome of a panto funnyman as Wishee Washee.
And there are some spectacular effects to rival Star Wars – a flying carpet which does a loop the loop, a life-sized ‘elephant’, fireworks, explosions and 3D dazzlers. It’s all going on.
Tickets are available from the box office on 023 8071 1811 or visit www.mayflower.org.uk