It’s that time when families and friends flock to theatres to take in an eclectic array of Christmas shows – and get that once-a-year chance to yell: “he’s behind you!” Here’s Rebecca Welton’s roundup of the biggest productions around our area.
• Snow Queen brings frosty festive Christmas treat
• How to keep it local this Christmas
Pictured above: Kieran Buckeridge in last year's Dick Whittington at Salisbury Playhouse. He returns this year in Mother Goose. Photo: Robert Workman
Peter Pan at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
Starring Barney Harwood and Mark Benton, fly away to Never Never Land and help Peter fight Captain Hook and his crew.
6 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015
Tickets: £16 - £19
Jack at the Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Take a trip up the beanstalk this December, with a contemporary twist on the children’s story. Puppets, silly songs and an angry chicken all included!
12 Dec – 24 Dec 2014
Tickets
Adults: £9 - £11
Child: £7 - £9
To book, visit the website here
Sleeping Beauty: the Pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Winchester
Sleeping Beauty as you’ve never seen it before - with fire-breathing dragons, a time-travelling prince, plus audience participation.
9 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015
Tickets
Adults: £19 - £21.50
Child: £17 - £19.50
Family tickets are available
For more information, please see the website
Treasure Island at The Point, Eastleigh
Anchors aweigh with this swashbuckling adventure as Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins go in search of Captain Flint’s buried treasure.
19 Dec – 24 Dec 2014
Tickets
Adult: £10
Child: £8
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The Snow Queen at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
When the wicked Snow Queen kidnaps a young boy named Kai in the frozen north, his stumpy, grumpy best friend Gerda sets out on a quest to find him. Read our earlier preview here.
27 Nov 2014 - 4 Jan 2015
Tickets: £10 - £22
See the website for more information and tickets
Mother Goose pantomime at the Playhouse, Salisbury
Rehearsal photo: Robert Workman
With a magical goose, live music, audience participation and laughs aplenty, Mother Goose promises to have you and your kids clucking in the aisles.
3 Dec 2014 - 10 Jan 2015
Tickets: £13 - £21
Cinderella at the Mayflower, Southampton
Photo: Robin Jones
Brian Conley returns to the stage, alongside Gok Wan as 'The Fairy Gokmother', for this panto classic.
13 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015
Tickets: £15 - £37.50
See the website for more information and to book
Aladdin at Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
For a fun-packed family pantomime, head over to Portsmouth to see Anthony Costa (Blue), Marcus Patrick (Hollyoaks), plus Jade Ellis and Kitty Brucknell (both from The X Factor).
9 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015
Tickets: £12 - £25.50