Curtain up on pantomime
PREPARE TO BOO, HISS AND SING ALONG IN A GREAT CHRISTMAS TRADITION
Oh yes it is – panto time is here again, a festive tradition which gets everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Across London there are pantomimes ranging from big theatre productions with famous stars, through to those at venues right on your doorstep and amateur groups too. Peter Pan
Recent Celebrity Big Brother winner and Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw in the soap until 2016, takes on the part of baddie Captain Hook, in this year’s Hayes pantomime.
It will be the star’s third panto role - and probably quite an appropriate one considering he also survived Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.
There will be flying sequences above the stage too in this swashbuckling adventure in Neverland.
When it is: December 7 - 30
Where it is: The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE
Tickets cost: £25 and £28.50, concessions £23 and £26.50, family tickets £92 (including fees) Book: Online or call 020 8561 837 Dick Whittington It’s the 10th anniversary of the Lyric Hammersmith panto this year and it will be marking the celebrating the occasion on December 7 with a special performance of Dick Whittington.
This evening will be full of guest appearances .Tickets from £30, which includes a winter cocktail, pre-show refreshments and a festive programme. When it is: November 17 January 6 Where it is: The Lyric Centre, King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0QL
Tickets cost: Free first night for people who live or work in Hammersmith & Fulham, £10 for preview performances then £15 - £42 from November 27 (no fees)
Book: Online or call 020 8741 6850 Aladdin Compass Theatre panto favourites Niall Hemingway and Chris Sheridan return as Widow Twankey and Wishy Washy to this Ickenham venue for its professional production.
Joining them for the third year running, Ickenham’s own Emmet Carrol as Police Officer Ping.
If your child doesn’t like all the loud noise and lights of panto then they might prefer to go to the relaxed performance on December 14 at 4pm.
When it is: December 6 - January 5
Where it is: Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Tickets cost: Adults £16.50, Under 16s £12.50 (no fees) Book: Online or call 01895 250615 Sleeping Beauty
The Questors in Ealing is one of the largest community theatres in Europes. and has a reputation for the high standards of quality and the professionalism .
Expect a fun fairytale, messy cake-baking, as well as jokes and songs and the chance to shout at the wicked fairy.
When it is: December 14 - December 31 Where it is: 12 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BQ
Tickets cost: December 14 - 20: adults £16, children £8, family £44. December 21 31: adults £18, children £9 family £49 (no fees)
Book: 020 8567 5184 or online Cinderella
HEOS Musical Theatre company is an Ealing-based amateur dramatics society well known for its high standard of productions.
This pantomime, written by its chairman, has all you expect from a familyfriendly traditional panto plus lively choreography.
When it is:
December 29 and 30 at 2pm and 6.30pm Where it is: Ruislip Road, Greenford,
UB6 9QN Tickets cost:
£13.50, rear stalls £8, concessions £9 (no fees)
Book: Online or call 07758 841523
Treasure Island
Expect the tradition of custard pies at panto in Ruislip from The Argosy Players amateur group.
Long John Silver and his fearsome crew may think that treasure is within their grasp – but they’ve reckoned without the ladies of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute.
Enjoy the fun of pantomime in what can be a dull month. When it is: January 17 - 20 Where it is: Manor Farm, Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL Tickets cost: Full price £15, concessions £12.50, group tickets available (no fees) Book: Online or call 01895 250615 or 0845 838 9058
And one more for luck... Robin Hood
Join the legendary tights-wearing hero for a swashbuckling, arrow-slinging adventure! Laugh-out-loud routines, show-stopping songs and heaps of audience participation. When it is: December 7 to 30 Where: The Arts Centre, Hounslow, TW3 1ES Tickets cost: £10 to £13 Book: www.eventbrite.co.uk