Alamy
York Theatre Royal, Robin Hood and his merry mam!
A brand new pantomime set in 1212, this claims to be "the world's first historically incorrect pantomime - based on fact". An innovative show in a much–loved 250 year old theatre. York Theatre Royal eschews the trend for celebrity panto turns, relying instead on local stage stalwarts such as renowned pantomime dame, Berwick Kaler, who also directs.
Last year's audiences were pelted with wagon wheels.
December 13 to February 2 2013
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk, 01904 623568
Nottingham Playhouse, Robin Hood and the Babes in the wood
A new production written, directed and starred in by veteran actor and director Kenneth Allan Taylor (TV credits include Coronation Street, Last of the Summer Wine, Brookside and Cold Feet). Another theatre preferring home-grown local talent to shipped-in celebrities. This will be Taylor's 28 consecutive panto for the Nottingham Playhouse.
November 30 to January 19 2013
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk, 0115 941 9419
Birmingham Hippodrome, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.
This is the country's most popular individual independent theatre and the pantomime is always a big event. Pantomime favourites Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather) star. Comedian and TV Presenter Conley is currently getting in the right frame of mind for Robinson Crusoe in the I'm a Celebrity jungle.
December 15 to January 27
www.birminghamhippodrome.com, 0844 338 5000
Greenwich Theatre, London, Robin Hood
Written and directed by one of pantomime's top names Andrew Pollard (he also takes a turn in a frock as Marian's maid), this version of Robin Hood promises traditional laughs and lots of energy. Last year Greenwich Theatre's Aladdin was a huge hit and the same team promises another sell-out success.
November 22 to January 6
www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk, 020 8858 7755
Hackney Empire, London Dick Whittington and his cat
Consistently one of the capital's most popular pantomime venues, this year the Hackney Empire is channelling the spirit of London 2012 with the ultimate pantomime love song to the city. Dick Whittington is played by award winning stage actress Joanna Riding, while the cook is played by Steve Elias, who cbeebies fans will recognise as Mr Whoops from Grandpa in my pocket.
December 1 to January 6
www.hackneyempire.co.uk / 020 8985 2424
King's, Edinburgh, Mother Goose
The show stars Scottish comedians Allan Stewart and Andy Gray and promises a variety of outrageous costumes, lots of laughs and plenty of surprises in a traditional crowd-pleasing family show. The historic theatre is fresh from a major refurbishment and boasts new seating with extra leg room.
December 1 to January 20
www.edtheatres.com/kings, 0131 529 6000
Theatre Royal Newcastle, Aladdin
Aladdin and Cinderella are the country's most popular pantomimes - reflecting perhaps people's ultimate dreams of marrying a prince and winning the lottery. This version of Aladdin, set in Newcastle, features a well-tested cast of Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb, Danny Adams and Chris Hayward. Produced by the world's biggest pantomime company, Qdos Entertainment, it will be a polished production.
November 27 to January 19
www.theatreroyal.co.uk, 08448 112121
Salisbury Playhouse, Sleeping Beauty
Featuring original music and lyrics by award-winning stage actor and composer Kieran Buckeridge, who also stars as the baby's Nanny. The requisite evil spells, dashing prince and magical fairies combine to make a traditional feel-good family pantomime in a vibrant regional theatre. (Company actors who cut their teeth in Salisbury include Prunella Scales, George Baker, Leslie Phillips and Kenneth Williams.)
December 5 to January 5
www.salisburyplayhouse.com, 01722 320333
New Wolsey Ipswich, Sleeping Beauty
Another Sleeping Beauty, but this one is a rock and roll version. The cast work a host of singalong opportunities into the story – Don't Leave Me This Way, Wake Up Little Susie and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go all feature. There is also a wicked witch an outrageous dame, and lots of gags about the King's crown jewels.
November 22 to January 26
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk, 01473 295900
Swansea Grand, Cinderella
The nation's favourite rags to riches fairy tale, presented in suitably pantomime style, with, reality TV stars, a magical ball room scene and amusingly ugly sisters. One of them, Kevin Johns, will be appearing for his 14 consecutive year in Swansea panto. Prince Charming will be played by Welsh singer Chico, X Factor quarter finalist and Dancing On Ice star.
December 14 to January 13
www.ents24.com, 01792 475715