CHRISTMAS: Pantos and shows galore across the South Yorkshire region

The Lyceum, Sheffield has the biggest pantomime in the region and audiences are going on a spectacular magic carpet ride in Aladdin (to January 3).

Comedy legend Damian Williams returns to Sheffield for his eighth Christmas as Widow Twankey.

Boo and hiss at panto’s ultimate villain, the evil Abanazar, played by Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow).

Other stars include Alex Winters from CBeebies as Wishee Washee and Hilary O’Neil as The Genie of the Ring. Rotherham-born Jonathan Halliwell plays Aladdin.

Slung Low, the theatre company who brought the spectacular show Camelot: The Shining City to the Crucible and the city centre this summer, are back in Sheffield with two children’s shows.

In 59 Minutes To Save Christmas (running to December 24, General Algernon Crisis of the Royal Christmas Brigade has noticed that someone is out to scupper Christmas! Join him on an interactive headphone adventure around the Crucible, meeting curious festive characters along the way.

Slung Low are working alongside Dep Arts to bring Emergency Story Penguin to the Studio (December 12-January 2).

A penguin has become stranded in Antarctica and the Emergency Story Unit has been deployed to rescue her. Step inside their submarine, a vehicle powered only by song, and help save the day.

This show incorporates puppetry, video and music and once again utilises headphones.

Both shows are suitable for children aged five and over.

The Montgomery on Surrey Street has two performances of much-loved children’s story The Snow Queen on December 19.

The theatre promises: “magical songs, beautiful costumes and scenery, and a host of colourful characters. Wrap up warm and join us for this delightfully laugh-out-loud retelling of a timeless chronicle that will melt your heart”.

Far away in the frozen land of Avalonia, the Snow Queen kidnaps a young boy named Kai in order to obtain the full powers of her mystic mirror that will make her immortal.

His best friend Gerda, a clumsy, lovable little girl, is the unlikely hero who sets out to rescue him. On the way she finds new friends who help her discover the truth behind the mysterious Snow Queen and her Icy Palace. The show is suitable for children aged four and over.

Tickets from Sheffield Theatres box office.

There’s something different at iceSheffield, which is staging a new production, Christmas On Broadway (December 11-13), featuring famous Broadway songs and Christmas favourites for the audience to sing along to, accompanied by some of the country’s most talented skaters.

There’s also special breakfast with Santa events at the ice venue on December 19, 20 and 24.

For more information and tickets, visit www.sivltd/christmas.

Sheffield City Hall has its annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, featuring the Black Dyke Band, who have joined forces with the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus for an array of carols and yuletide favourites.

Joining the festivities is Petroc Trelawny, British classical music radio and television broadcaster and BBC Radio 3 Breakfast presenter.

The classic story of The Snowman is also coming to the City Hall on Monday. The timeless film will be shown on a large screen accompanied by the Paragon Film Orchestra playing favourites from the film including Walking In the Air.

The orchestra will also play a selection of Christmas favourites including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and a specially commissioned animation will also be shown on the big screen.

Manor Operatic take over the venue from December 27 to January 3 with their version of Cinderella.

Audiences can expect fun-filled family entertainment, great music and hilarious crowd participation including the notorious dough scene, plus the trademark Manor spectacular special effects.

Box office: www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk or call 0114 278 9789.

In Chesterfield, the Pomegranate Theatre panto is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (to January 3).

Classical crossover chart-topper Jonathan Ansell from G4 will be joined by Eurovision queen Nicki French and Britain’s Got Talent impressionist Philip Green in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, later this year.

Bringing a host of familiar voices to pantoland and playing the Wicked Queen’s sidekick Herman the Henchman, is actor Philip Green, who kept the nation entertained with his many hilarious impressions in Britain’s Got Talent.

The Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular, starring The Osmonds, is coming to Chesterfield Winding Wheel on December 22. It’s billed as a fun Christmas variety show for the whole family can enjoy.

The famous pop family, who got their TV break on the Andy Williams Show, will also be joined by Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket and The Moon River singers and dancers.

Box office 01246 345 222 and online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

Buxton Opera House has Aladdin, starring Emmerdale’s Kelsey Beth Crossley as Princess Jasmine and James Holmes, who plays Clive in the comedy Miranda, as Widow Twankey. The show runs from this Saturday to January 2.

(Kelsey spent five years playing ‘Scarlett Nicholls’ in Emmerdale. Last year she reached the Box office: call 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

A proper fun-filled and homegrown pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at Cast is awakening Doncaster with a huge dose of festive magic and sparkle until January 3.

Sleeping Beauty will keep audiences wide awake with light and magic as the forces of Dozecaster strike back against the dark side to save the kingdom from Fairy Nightshade and her Thorntroopers. There’s something for everyone if the force be with you...

Maureen Nolan stars as the Fairy Godmother for the production of Cinderella at Rotherham Civic (running to January 10).

Carl, star of Nick Jr’s. Go!Go!Go! Show, takes the role of Prince Charming and Cinders is played by Sophie Wysozanski

Tickets: www.RotherhamTheatres.co.uk, go to Rotherham Visitor Centre in All Saints Square or call 01709 823621.

Over at Barnsley Civic, everyone’s favourite beary-tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears (December 13-15), uses puppetry, music and mischievous moments for everyone in the family aged two and over.

CBeebies Razzle Dazzle star Patrick Lynch leads the fun in Puss in Boots (December 21-24). This is not a typical panto but a magical adventure story featuring puppets and shadow-play. Goldilocks and the 3 Bears is at The Civic on Sunday 13 December - Tuesday 15 December at 2.30pm (Sun), 10am & 1pm (Mon & Tue). Tickets are £10 full price, £8 concessions and £6 children. Recommended for ages 2+

Box office: www.barnsleycivic.co.uk or call 01226 327000.

The Academy Theatre at Birdwell also has a production of Cinderella (running to December 31). They promise: “We know you’re going to have a ball.” Box office: 01226 744442 or www.academytheatre.co.uk.

Dearne Playhouse, Goldthorpe presents Sleeping Beauty from December 14 to 19. Joe Hodgkinson returns as the loveable Nurse Penny Cillin.

Box office: 01709 894128.