Panto performances in our patch

Andy Hockley is playing Dame Dorothy-Do-It in Beauty and the Beast at the Belgrade Theatre

The pantomime season is upon us once again - oh yes it is! - and there are a variety of shows across Coventry and Warwickshire.

From traditional stories to more modern takes on a panto, there is usually something to suit people of all ages.

The earliest runs begin in November with many continuing through to January 2010.

The Belgrade Theatre is putting on Beauty and the Beast with plenty more yuletide mirth at other venues.

We will try and let you know about some of the best pantos and festive plays in our patch, but if we are missing any, please email us and we will include it on this page.

Beauty and the Beast

This year's pantomime at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre is Beauty and the Beast. It is a story of love, adventure and lots of festive fun.

Regular favourite Andy Hockley returns as the dame - in this case Dame Dorothy-Do-It - and the audience will find out whether Belle will fall in love with the Beast.

Beauty and the Beast runs from 30 November - 9 January and tickets are priced from £11 to £19.25. They are available from the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 and online at the Belgrade Theatre website.

Cinderella

This year, the Lyric Hammersmith and the Warwick Arts Centre are putting on the classic story of Cinderella. It will include 15 real silver birch trees and a musical score played on unusual instruments (such as a bike). The story is based on the Grimm tale that everyone knows, but there will be no Buttons although you can expect lots of audience interaction - even during the interval. It is suitable for ages seven and over.

Cinderella is at the WAC, but maybe not as you know it

If you wanted something for the under-sevens, the WAC is also putting on The Snow Dragon. It runs from Saturday, 5 December 2009 - Sunday, 3 January 2010. Tickets are priced at £10.50 (£8.50).

Cinderella runs from Saturday, 28 November 2009 - Sunday, 3 January 2010. Tickets are priced from £12.50 to £16.95 and are available from the Warwick Arts Centre box office on 024 7652 4524 or online at the Warwick Arts Centre website.

Jack and the Beanstalk

There are two opportunities to see the classic Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas.

Civic Hall in Bedworth

Alongside Jack and the giant (who's voiced by BBC Coventry & Warwickshire's Bob Brolly), characters include Dame Dotty Dimple, who's played by Steve Barclay, with appearances by the Judith Vardy Dancers.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 7 - 30 December and tickets and further information can be found on the Civic Hall website.

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington

This year's pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk and includes the Pattison Theatre Arts Dancers.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 12 December - 2 January 2010. Tickets are priced at £13.50 and £14.50 (concessions for Children and Seniors at £2 off). Family tickets (2+2) are £44- £50. Tickets and further information can be found on the Spa Centre website.

Robinson Crusoe

The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre in Kenilworth are putting on one of the oldest pantomimes - Robinson Crusoe.

The production has a brand new script, which is also full of comedy and music. Audiences will be able to find out what happens when the Crusoe family, who run the Old Curiosity Shop, find an old treasure map in their stock.

Robinson Crusoe runs from 22nd December - 9 January 2010. Tickets are priced from £7 - £7.50 and concessions are available. Further information can be found on the Talisman Theatre website.

Sinbad the Sailor

This year, the Priory Theatre in Kenilworth are putting on a production of Sinbad The Sailor.

It tells the story of Sinbad taking to the seas and the audiences will also get to meet a princess, an evil sorcerer and, of course, a dame.

Sinbad the Sailor runs from 10 - 30 December and tickets are priced at £7.50 and concessions (over 60's/under 14's) at £6.50. Block bookings are also available at a reduced price. Further information can be found on the Priory Theatre website.

Sleeping Beauty

There is a chance to see a production of Sleeping Beauty at the Bridge House Theatre in Warwick. It will keep the magic of the story, but will include an usual twist.

It is produced by OTFM Productions and has been written and directed by Adam Schumacher, who also plays the dame.

Sleeping Beauty runs from 23 December - 10 January 2010. Tickets are priced at £11, concessions at £9.50 and a family ticket at £36. Further information can be found on the Bridge House Theatre website.

The Three Musketeers

HADS (Henley-in-Arden Drama Society) will be performing The Three Musketeers this Christmas. They have given the classic tale the pantomime treatment and you can see it at the Memorial Hall in Henley-in-Arden from Wednesday, 16 - Saturday, 19 December.

There will also be a matinee performance on the Saturday afternoon at 1430. The seating for this show will be at tables, so the audience can bring their own food and drink.

Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children. For further information, please visit the Henley-in-Arden Drama Society website.

Franky Panky

The Abbey Players are putting on Franky Panky - The Frankenstein Pantomime - at the Abbey Theatre and Arts Centre in Nuneaton. You can see the production from Tuesday, 15 - Sunday, 20 December. There are also matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are £4.50 and £3. For further information, please visit the Abbey Theatre website.