"It's panto time!"
"Oh no it isn't!"
"Oh yes it is!"
"Oh no it isn't!"
"Oh yes it is!"
"Ah, yes, you're right. It is."
No Brit Christmas is complete without an annual visit to the theatre to see a jolly good ol' pantomime.
Tickets sell out fast for these shows, so it's best to get in early with your booking. Contrary to popular belief, pantomimes are not the preserve of children and their parents – anyone can go along and enjoy seeing some B-list celebs treading the boards, men dressed up in drag (the pantomime dame), plenty of saucy innuendo, funny songs, a healthy dose of slapstick, and, of course, lots of audience participation that generally involves shouting "oh yes it is" or "he's behind you".
All in all it's a super fun festive celebration of silliness, and as a result, wonderful entertainment.
Many theatres in and around London will be putting on panto productions this year - here are some that might tickle your fancy....
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire from 27th November until 9th January. The Empire has a good reputation when it comes to pantos, so you should be in for a memorable night out if you go along to this one.
Sleeping Beauty at the Beck Theatre in Hayes. Running from 11th December until 2nd January, Lorraine Chase stars as the wicked fairy godmother.
Robin Hood at the Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington. Performing from 10th December until 9th January. This award winning pub theatre is producing their take on Robin Hood in association with the acclaimed Charles Court Opera.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the spacious Shaw Theatre on Euston Road. Performances from 13th December until 3rd January. Madeline Duggan (until recently Lauren Branning in Eastenders) stars as Snow White.
Aladdin at the Watford Palace Theatre. Running from 25th November until 1st January, it promises a fun, traditional panto for the whole family.
Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 10th December until 16th January. The theatre, celebrating its 100th anniversary, have managed to secure the services of the mghty Hoff (that's David Hasselhoff) – he'll be playing Captain Hook!
Puss in Boots at the Arts Theatre in the West End. Running from 18th November until 9th January. Following on from last year's popular A Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim Productions bring you another great family show, Puss in Boots.
Red Riding Hood at the Theatre Royal Stratford East from 4th December until 22nd January. The production team behind this panto received an Olivier Award nomination for Cinderella in 2007, so you can bet their version of Red Riding Hood is going to be something special too.
A Christmas Carol at the Giant Olive Theatre in Kentish Town. Running from 7th December until 15th January. Maybe not quite a panto, but a great festive production nonetheless and therefore well worth a mention!
Cinderella at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden from 20th November until 31st December. Performed by the Royal Ballet, it may be a little different to what you think of as a traditional panto, but all your favourites are there, including the ugly sisters, the godmother, and the prince.
