Take a trip to the theatre this Christmas / Put your hands together for Panto!

Nothing says Christmas like panto – and, if you’re wondering where to see a good one but can’t face London prices and queues, there’s plenty to choose from in the East Midlands.

So, if you’re coming to stay with us in December, or thinking of a festive break (we still have some availability) why not get properly into the Christmas spirit and check out some of the wonderful pantomime on offer in this region?

Nearby Nottingham is famous for its panto, and this year will be no different with two shows in town. Who wouldn’t want to get tickets for this year’s performance of Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, starring none other than Christopher Biggins as Widow Twankey? (http://www.trch.co.uk/aladdin) Joining him on stage will be Simon Webbe, from boyband Blue, and Nottingham favourite Ben Nickless.

This year is an extra special one for the Theatre Royal, as it celebrates 150 years. Visitors will also get the chance to enjoy a special interactive exhibition, 150 Years of Pantomime, which is on in the Upper Circle Foyer from December 5, 2015, to January 10, 2016, including dressing up for the kids! http://www.trch.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29648

Meanwhile, talented actors down the road will be performing another traditional panto on the festive calendar: Dick Whittington.  On at the Nottingham Playhouse, the show is directed by Kenneth Taylor, and promises to deliver all you could want in drama and laughter, not to mention fabulous scenery and frocks http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/family/dick-whittington/ Tickets are still available, but you’ll need to hurry to catch them.

Slightly closer to home, there is also a fine panto tradition in the city of Derby, and this year’s show is a rival production of Aladdin, featuring Natasha Hamilton from girlband Atomic Kitten, Dan Osborne from The Only Way is Essex, and Ritchie Neville from 5ive http://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin-2015

Younger audience members may also recognise the characters Ping and Pong, none other than Richard David-Caine and Joseph Elliott from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle!

So let’s hear it for panto … all together now …. “He’s behind you….!”