It’s that time of year... oh yes it is

The busiest panto season in years kicks off tonight as the Key stages the first of 60 performances of Sleeping Beauty.

Simon Egerton, a familiar figure at the Key at this time of year, is back as the director, writer, composer and lyricist.

Rob Hazle also returns as the musical director and plays the part of Potty the Chamberlain, following his role as Uncle Billy in Dick Whittington last year.

The main lady in this year’s pantomime, Aurora, is being played by Rebecca Levy who has previously been on stage in Legally Blonde, Kiss me Kate and First Lady Suite.

Carabosse, Aurora’s worst nightmare and the evil witch that cursed her is being played by Lauren Storer, fresh from appearing in the national tour of Footloose .

Lizzie Franks and Katie Pritchard also return. Lizzie played Fairy Liquid in Jack and the Beanstalk in 2015 while Katie was on stage at the Key Theatre in 2013 as the pocket-sized Dandini in Cinderella.

Pantomime isn’t a pantomime without a dame and this year it is played by the man of countless faces – Fred Broom. He will be donning the many frocks of Aurora’s mother, Queen Iona Trumpet.

Show details at www. vivacity-peterborough.com.

The Cresset opens its season two days later, December 9, with a three-week run of Snow White.

Former soap star Kevin Kennedy , best known as Curly Watts in Coronation Street for 20 years, stars as Muddles.

“Resident” dame Zach Vanderfelt – returns as Betty Bonbon, while Victoria Jane – who impressed as Wendy in last year’s panto Peter Pan- plays Snow White.

Show details at www. cresset.co.uk

And adding to the mix this year, The Broadway has Aladdin from December 14 to 31.

KD Theatre Productions will be taking audiences on a magical carpet ride all the way to Old Peking.

Starring as the title char-