Whilst January isn't normally the season for a pantomime, I truly feel that it brings light and laughter to those cold, dreary days. Highcliffe Charity Players have delighted local Dorset audiences since the 70's and their pantomime has become one of the highlights of the calendar year after year. 

Filled with local performers that showcase some of the best talent in the area, this years offering was no exception. Goldilocks and the Three Bears will take you on a whistle-stop adventure through the woods to the circus to entertain and entrance audiences young and old.  

There is nothing better to get you in the festive spirit than attending a Pantomime. Layered in British tradition, the Panto is nothing but pure escapism for a couple of hours. It entertains everyone of all ages whilst not taking itself seriously to allow the audience to revel in hilarity and glee. 

The Bournemouth Panto is one highlight of the year for many locals. With familiar faces returning to the stages year after year, and local jokes that keep everyone amused, it's easy to see why it's a hit year after year. This year, the tale of choice was Jack and the Beanstalk. Whilst having some local competition with this show (which they even made a nod too); it had the audience engaged from the first "Boo" too the last "He's behind you!". 

 Magic Mirror on the wall, what's the fairest Panto of them all? Snow White you say, with Diversity too? Add in Biggins, and the Mayflower has a show for you!

Christmas for me isn't the same without a visit to the Mayflower Theatre to see their annual panto. With big names galore and visual effects and laughs that keep old and young hooked, it's really a show for the whole family to love and enjoy. This year, Snow White takes to the stage with a slight twist to wow audiences this Christmas. 

 As December draws in, Christmas lights twinkle, and families gather together, nothing beats heading to the local theatre to watch a good old British pantomime. There's something special about silly nonsense, shouting 'he's behind you' and watching actors make slight fools of themselves on stage. It's a type of show that definitely doesn't take itself seriously and evolves throughout its run to become something even more nonsensical than when it started. And the Poole Lighthouse pantomime this year is no exception. 

I am a huge fan of local productions and supporting local dramatic societies. Away from the glitz and glam of the West End and UK tours, you can find a wealth of talent and creativity in your local community. The All Saints Dramatic Society have been entertaining the Bournemouth community for the past 70 years. Comprised of performers from the local area, the group perform two shows and a pantomime every year alongside musical revues and community events. 

This year, their pantomime was Dick Whittington, the tale of a young man who heads to London to find his fortune. Written and directed by Phil Vivian, I headed to the Corpus Christi Parish Centre in Boscombe, Bournemouth to watch this fun and enjoyable pantomime. 

Roll up, roll up! For this Christmas at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, you are invited to attend the greatest panto on Earth! The hilariously brilliant Goldilocks and the Three Bears has made its way to Southampton and they are ready to put on a show like no other for ever audience member young and old. 

With a star studded cast, this pantomime has gone all out with its singing, dancing, circus tricks, and sparkling lights to wow audiences and spread a bit of magical festive cheer this Christmas season. 

Cinderella is up there as one of my favourite pantomimes. It's one of those timeless tales that brings together humour, magic, and a happy ending all before the stroke of midnight. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton have decided that Cinders shall go to the ball this year as it takes to their stage for their annual pantomime. With magic, mayhem and strictly brilliant dancing promised, we were excited to see what was in store for us. And boy did it not disappoint!

 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!

Aladdin
Bournemouth Pavilion

 Heading to the Lighthouse, Poole's pantomime is a Christmas tradition in our house. Every year we are blown away with how fantastic and fun their pantomimes are. With something to please everyone, we couldn't wait to head to see what they had in store for us this year.

Gracing the stage this time around was the tale of poor Dick Whittington, the story of the young boy from Poole who heads to London for fame and fortune. With villainous characters and catchy songs, it was a night that had adults and children laughing, cheering and singing along in their seats. Written and produced by Duncan Reeves Productions, who have led the way with the last two shows at the Lighthouse we knew we were in for a fab night.

Photo by: Richard Budd