As soon as December starts to creep up on you, you realise that in the world of theatre it means only one thing... Panto Season is upon us! Whilst some love it, some hate it, and some are indifferent, I absolutely love this time of year. It's the perfect time to practice your "He's behind you's" and "Oh, no it isn't's" and get yourself into the festive spirit. 

With loads to choose from in and around the south coast, I thought I would compile a list of some of the must visits so that you won't miss out!

 Everyone knows the tale of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The story of four intrepid explorers that venture into the back of a mothball filled wardrobe and into a world where time flies, creatures talk, and it's been winter for over 100 years. It's a tale that myself and Max have been reading for a while as whilst it isn't necessarily a Christmas tale, it does get you into that festive mood. 

Taking on this mammoth book by C.S Lewis and turning it into a stage play is no mean feat. With a magical wardrobe, statuesque lion, and menacing witch, it's hard to see how something so spectacular on the page can still keep its essence of innocence and bravery on the stage. But this show breathes a new life into this story and brings it alive in ways that we could have never imagined. 

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe took to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton stage and boy was it a show to remember. 

 The show on everybody's lips is gonna be "Chicago The Musical". Chicago is one of those musicals that exudes with talent, sexiness and glamour. And it's a show that has hit the Mayflower Theatre stage with a bang this week. 

 I absolutely adore a new musical. Anything that gives me a good ear-worm and has me humming for days, gets me buzzing about something new and has a brilliant story is a win in my books. But a new musical about kick ass feminist icons? Well I honestly don't think that I can really put into words how excited I was to hear that the brilliant children's book "Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World" was being adapted into a new musical.

When I found out that this brilliant new show was being made in collaboration with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment and MAST Mayflower Studios, I knew I had to go, I knew I had to be there, and I also knew that Max would love it as much (and if not more) as me. We have been so fortunate to have been invited to the press night of the show, and I honestly can't explain how much I loved it. 

Photo by Pamela Raith

Getting to watch Grease on stage is an injection of nostalgia for all involved, it's a show that most people are aware of in some form. The tale of young 1950's summer love that suddenly struggles to work when the two main characters battle against friendships and what they stand for. The woes of high school, growing up, and the unknown of the future.

When it comes to Grease, you have the die hard fans that remember it all the way back from the days of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John strutting across their screens, and the new fans who have been brought up on a soundtrack of “we go together” as their parents sing it across the kitchen. I lie somewhere in the middle, someone that loved the film and can play the soundtrack on repeat, but haven't quite introduced Max to it fully.

Grease the Musical is currently taking the UK by storm. This week it is heading to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton stage, we couldn't wait to head to Rydell High and join in on the action.