With pantomime season just around the corner, here are some of the best festive productions coming to Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Fenland this winter.
1. Dick Whittington and his Cat - ADC Theatre, Cambridge
Follow Dick Whittington, an aspirational young man, as he journeys to London to find success where the streets are allegedly paved with gold in this production presented by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club and the Cambridge Footlights. November 22 - December 2
2. Mother Goose - Cambridge Arts Theatre
Full of cracking jokes, songs, magic and a few surprises, the traditional rags-to-riches pantomime story is given a fun, modern, Cambridge twist. Starring the city's top pantomime dame Matt Crosby as Gertie Goose, eggs-pect the uneggs-pected with this all-ages show. November 30 – January 7
3. Alice in Wonderland - Vista Academy, Littleport
Am-dram group The Littleport Players, with its welter of Littleport talent, is hard at work rehearsing its panto. Oh yes they are. December 1-3
4. Cinderella - Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon
Grab your wands, brush up your boos and join this fairy tale adventure filled with Christmas cheer and songs you'll be singing for days. December 1-9
5. Aladdin - The Key Theatre, Peterborough
Take a magic carpet ride to the Key Theatre for Christmas 2023 as Peterborough’s longest-running pantomime returns with the high-flying adventure for all the family. December 2-31
6. Peter Panto - Cottenham Village College
Expect the usual story of Peter Pan that everyone knows and loves, but with some unexpected twists: including some wayward Love Island contestants, a very social media savvy crocodile, and a classic villain to boo and hiss. December 6-9
7. Robin Hood - The Maltings, Ely
Packed with audience participation, uproarious comedy, spellbinding dance routines, and dazzling sets and costumes that are sure to hit the bullseye, KD Theatre Productions are back with their 11th annual panto. December 9 - January 2
8. Jack and the Beanstalk - Priory Centre, St Neots
Filled with jokes and feel-good songs, this pantomime from the St Neots Players will take its audience on a journey to cloud-land like no other! December 14-16
9. The Wizard of Oz - The Cresset, Peterborough
Starring Cheryl Fergison - best known as Heather from EastEnders - in the role of Good Witch Glinda, get ready for a trip over the rainbow this Christmas. Join Dorothy and Toto on the original road trip as they make their way to Oz, meeting some familiar friends along the way. December 14-31
10. Dick Whittington and his Cat - Doddington Village Hall
Following the huge success of last year's panto, The Anglian Players plan to make this year's production even better. December 15-17
11. The Naughty Elf - The Secret Garden Touring Park, Wisbech
Dive into 9Lives Theatre Company's magical North Pole pantomime and embark on a jolly journey with Santa and his friends. Perfect for families and kids of all ages, expect lots of fun and spectacle. December 16-24
12. Jack and the Beanstalk - The Burgess Hall, One Leisure, St Ives
With intriguing plots, fabulous characters, catchy songs and plenty of comedy and audience participation, why not join the Centre Theatre Players as they embark on their annual trip to the land of make believe? January 10-14.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here