MARION SAUVEBOIS checks out this year’s panto offerings

SWINDON

The Wyvern’s pantomime, which stars Nigel Havers in Dick Whittington, is now is full swing (oh, yes it is).

But if you fancy a change of scenery, here’s what else is going on in the towns and cities nearby.

From Cinderella and her evil step-sisters to Mother Goose and her golden eggs, this winter’s pantomime calendar is as action-packed as ever.

BATH

Cinderella, Theatre Royal Bath BAFTA Award-winning Tracy Beaker actress and Strictly finalist Dani Harmer plays the title role alongside Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters as her Fairy Godmother.

In the reinvention of the classic tale Cinderella is treated as a servant by her wicked (not to mention ugly) stepsisters.

She needs all the magic her Fairy Godmother can muster, along with help from her best friend, Buttons, if she is to meet her Prince Charming, and find true love before the clock strikes midnight.

Complete with side-splitting gags, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies, Cinderella will bring a touch of modernity to the traditional story.

It is on until Sunday, January 11 and tickets cost between £19 and £30.50.

To book contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk.

SALISBURY

Mother Goose, Salisbury Playhouse From the team behind last year’s hit Dick Whittington and starring Salisbury’s favourite dame Kieran Buckeridge, Mother Goose promises to be packed with laughs, silly jokes, ‘eggcellent’ music and audience participation.

Poor Mother Goose dreams of being rich and beautiful. But the village squire is threatening to throw her out of the cottage she shares with her son Billy if she can’t pay the rent.

Just when all hope is lost, Priscilla, a magical goose arrives, and when she starts laying golden eggs Mother Goose’s dreams may just come true... unless the evil Demonica Badegg gets her way.

The show will run until January 10 and tickets cost between £13 and £21.

To book call the box office on 01722 320333 or go to salisburyplayhouse.com.

READING

Cinderella, The Hexagon, Reading Another twist on the traditional glass slipper story will come to Reading.

Cinderella dreams of escaping the life she has fallen into.

With the arrival of an invitation to Prince Charming’s Grand Ball, it seems she may get her wish.

However, the Ugliest Sisters in Pantoland are determined to keep her as their servant.

But with the help of her Fairy Godmother and a generous helping of panto magic perhaps her dreams will come true after all?

Starring Jon Clegg, of Britain’s Got Talent fame, Anna Williamson and The Hairy Bikers’ Dave Myers the hilarious knock-about comedy will enchant spectators of all ages.

It will run until Sunday, January 4. Tickets cost between £12 and £20.50.

To book visit readingarts.com/thehexagon /pantomime/ or call 0118 960 6060.

BRISTOL

Dick Whittington, Bristol Hippodrome Britain’s Got Talent 2012 winner Ashleigh & Pudsey, Ben Faulks aka Mr Bloom and Bristol pantomime legend Andy Ford have teamed up for an extravagant production of Dick Whittington.

Dick Whittington tells the rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune. But will the evil King Rat thwart his plans or will Fairy Bowbells save the day?

It features sensational songs, a live band, magic, dazzling dance routines, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation.

It will run until Sunday, January 4. Tickets cost between £11.90 and £37.90. To book call 0844 871 3012 or go to atgtickets.com/shows/dick-whittington