NOTHING LIKE A DAME PANTOS!

Peter Pan at the London Palladium

The biggest and glitziest of the capital’s pantos returns to the Palladium for an eighth year. It is once again marshalled by Julian Clary, who was born for this show, and here plays seaman Smee (titter). He is joined by Jennifer Saunders as Captain Hook, as well as Nigel Havers, Louis Gaunt and, of course, the great Gary Wilmot as the Dame. ⬤ From December 9 to January 14; palladiumpantomime.com

Aladdin at the Hackney Empire

The Hackney panto is one of the great annual east London traditions. For a second year it is directed by, and starring, the great Clive Rowe (the only performer to be Olivier nominated for playing a Dame), who will be Widow Twankey. Also starring Natasha Lewis as Abby-na-zaar, and Fred Double as Aladdin.

⬤ To December 31; hackneyempire.co.uk

Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith

Get ready to have a ball in west London, courtesy of award-winning panto writer and composer Vikki Stone. She brings Cinders (played by Tilly La Belle Yengo, left) into the present day, where she is a “bona fide boss-lady” running a business in Shepherd’s Bush Market. There she meets the dashing Prince Henry, in disguise and on the run from the paps.

⬤ To January 6; lyric.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Stratford East’s riotous pantos are always full of outrageous characters, unique takes on classic tales and a lot of laughs. Score by Robert Hyman and written by Anna Jordan.

⬤ To January 6; stratfordeast.com

Snow White at Greenwich Theatre

The Greenwich panto is a classic of the genre, with the venue’s long-running panto baddie Anthony Spargo taking over writing duties this year. Nominated for Offie awards in 2021 and 2022, after winning in 2019, this is a show with pedigree. ⬤ To January 7; greenwichtheatre.org

Odyssey: A Heroic Pantomime at the Jermyn Street Theatre

The panto that has really torn the rule book up this festive season is at the small but perfectly formed Jermyn Street Theatre. Taking the Odyssey as its jumping-off point, join fantastical characters on a musical, mythical journey.

⬤ To December 31; jermynstreettheatre.co.uk