It's panto time - oh yes it is!

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

Put it together and what you have got?

The fine art of pantomime dates back hundreds of years and is an essential part of many people's Christmas celebrations.

And in Devon, once again, panto lovers have four major productions to choose from in each corner of the county.

Both Torquay and Barnstaple have plumped for Cinderella.

While at Plymouth's Theatre Royal it will be Aladdin and Exeter's Northcott will be performing Mother Goose, the oldest pantomime in the repertoire.

Why not share your memories of pantomimes past on our messageboard

Cinderella: Princess Theatre, Torquay

Torquay's Princess Theatre is welcoming as its stars this year Britt Ekland, CBBC's Simon Grant and James Crossley aka Gladiator's Hunter.

Click here to read our story about the production.

Princess Theatre website

Cinderella: Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple

The stars of Barnstaple's pantomime

This new production from North Devon Theatres and Hiss & Boo features the usual mix of slapstick, magic, silly songs and crazy characters.

Written and directed by John David, the panto stars Jacquelyn Kent as Cinderella, Mark Reeves as Buttons, Duncan Wigman as Prince Charming.

Click here to read our story about the production.

Queen's Theatre website

Aladdin: Theatre Royal, Plymouth

Plymouth's Aladdin production features 3D effects

Christopher Biggins is the star of the show at the 2009 Christmas panto at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

As well as all the usual panto fun, this Aladdin production features 3D effects.

Click here to read our story about the production.

Plymouth Theatre Royal's website

Mother Goose: Exeter Northcott

This is Steve Bennett's 14th year as Northcott's panto dame

Exeter Northcott's production is the story of a poor but kind-hearted woman whose fortunes are reversed when she befriends Priscilla, a goose who lays golden eggs.

Steve Bennett, who is once again playing the Dame, has co-written this production with Michael Kirk and Exeter Northcott's creative director, Rebecca Manson Jones.

Click here to read our story about the production.

Exeter Northcott website

And on Tuesday 29 December 2009 between 5-7pm BBC Radio Devon will be broadcasting Jo Loosemore's programme There's Nothing Like A Dame.

"It looks at the men who wear the dresses, " said Jo.

"Why do they do it and what do they do in real life."