What a time to see a pantomime

Christmas is nearly here which means it’s time to entertain children and adults alike with an annual tradition almost as old as Santa himself. We look at the best Courier Country pantos

Panto season is upon us. Oh yes it is!

A visit to the pantomime is as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree and giving presents.

All over the country, ruffles are being fluffed, evil stepsisters are putting on their scary make up and actors are getting ready to be the front or back halves of cows, horses and donkeys.

Whether you live in Fife, Dundee, Angus or Perthshire there’s a panto near you.

Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Theatre is putting on a very special version of the perennially popular Cinderella.

The theatre is holding its first ever dementia and autism friendly pantomime performance this winter, with a special showing of Cinderella that’s been adapted specifically for older people and those with additional needs.

Audiences can expect all the thrills and laughter of a typical pantomime at the special showing on Friday January 6, with the added comfort of softened stage action, lighting and sound cues.

The performance is also suitable for children and young adults with additional support needs and can be booked individually or in groups.

This year’s show, which promises lots of song and dance, exciting costumes and slapstick comedy, is being performed by Imagine Theatre, whose cast includes two funny dames as the ugly step sisters – both of whom have appeared in BBC TV’s Still Game.

Elsewhere in the Kingdom, the Byre Theatre in St Andrews is showing the magic carpet ride that is Aladdin.

Dog lovers should point their noses towards Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall for Moon Dog and the Christmas Star

Clockwise from above: George’s Marvellous Medicine; the cast of Kirkcaldy’s Cinderella; Sinbad sails into Arbroath; and Aladdin will be in St Andrews’ Byre Theatre.