1 One of the original cast members of the popular BBC drama EastEnders Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale, takes on the role of Abanazar, the wicked uncle in Aladdin, today at the Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon. The family panto has an Aladdin’s cave full of surprises as the cast recreate the exciting story from The Arabian Nights. The enchanted story is full of Eastern promise including two genies, a magician, a magic carpet and magic lamp. The panto runs until January 6, 2019. For more details and tickets call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.

2 Father Christmas Needs A Wee, a family Christmas show takes place at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon today. Father Christmas is back on his rounds… and he still needs a wee! At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks the tasty treats that have been left for him. But when he reaches number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do something rather important and he really, really, really needs a wee! TaleGate Theatre Productions hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which they have become known in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book. For more details call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.

3 Take a journey into deepest, darkest space! Enjoy the comic adventures of Lucy Skywalker as she battles the evil Daft Vader, in this inter-galactic tale of Cinderella meets Star Wars! Cinderella and Her Interstellar Adventure begins tonight at 7.30pm, in the Phoenix Theatre, New College, Queens Drive, Swindon. The Licensed Bar will be open for this show offering mulled wine, beers and a selection of soft drinks. Tickets are £5.70 from 01793 732861 (Ext: 261).

4 A daring tale full of live music, laughter and bravery, a heroic Christmas adventure with Robin Hood, is on today at The Watermill, Bagnor, Newbury. Robin Hood returns home to find the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham starving the local people of Sherwood Forest. Courageous, kind and headstrong, Robin can’t stand by and watch friends and family suffer. Robin, the most skilful archer in the land, vows to be brave and stand up for the local people. Join the fearless, witty hero and a host of lively friends as they set off on a mission to steal from the rich and give to the poor. This hilarious new adaptation is written by acclaimed children's author Laura Dockrill. She has written numerous bestselling books and poetry collections including the popular Darcy Burdock series. Tickets are £12 to £25 from 01635 45834.

5 Peter Pan flies in to the Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath today. The swash-buckling and unmissable Christmas treat starring Paul Nicholas and Rebecca Wheatley, has flying, CGI special effects in the J M Barrie tale. Peter Pan is one of the best-loved stories in children's literature. When Peter Pan flies into the Darling children’s nursery one night and takes them off to Neverland, a thrilling adventure begins… come with us to the magical world of Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys, where they do battle with the dastardly Captain Hook and his pirate crew. 01225 448844.

6 The Velveteen Rabbit, 11.30am, The Irving Studio Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham. See website for times and prices. 01242 572573. We’ve all wondered if toys have a life of their own. One Christmas, one child does just that when they receive a cuddly rabbit made from soft velvet. A wonderful friendship grows between them, and the child teaches the rabbit about their world, and learns to love enough to make him real. A festive celebration of the seasons, playing games, making friends and how we sometimes have to say goodbye. Join us to experience this beautiful story played out with live music and song, and plenty of chances to join in too! The perfect show for children who may be too young for the main house pantomime experience. Until Sunday.

7 The Elves And The Shoemaker this Christmas. Puppets4Peas, has created a show for he young ones which is plum pudding full of music, dancing, audience participation and of course shoes. The Christmas show is set around the story of Mr Shooz the shoemaker who is totally disheartened with his job until he begins to find some stunning shoes and beautiful boots left on his work bench every morning. Shoebox Theatre in Swindon's Theatre Square from December 15 to Sunday December 23. To book tickets for the show visit www.shoeboxthetre.org.uk/whatson

Saturday

8 Tomorrow there is a chance to visit Swindon Designer Outlet's magical Santa's Grotto which promises a delight at every turn; plant a magic bean in special soil and put it in the sprouting chamber while you tell Santa how good you’ve been this year. By the time you’ve finished telling him what’s on your wish list and he’s given you a gift, your magic bean will have grown into a real mini Christmas tree, which you can then decorate to take home. There will also be a selfie sleigh, falling snow and a chance to meet Santa's reindeer. Visits cost £10 per child + £1.50 online booking fee from https://www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/swindondesigneroutlet

9 At the Brunel Centre, the grotto is open every day until Christmas Eve from noon.

Available appointment times can be found at bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/brunel A visit to see Santa is free and each child will receive a present. There will be an opportunity for little ones to be able to have breakfast with Father Christmas every Saturday. Tickets are £4 per child. Santa’s Post Office will also be open for children to write and send their letters to the North Pole. Elf School will also be running on Sundays where children can enjoy an hour-long fun and games session, learning the elf commandments and earning themselves an elf graduation ceremony.

10 Santa at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway Santa Specials offer round-trip passenger journeys of approximately 4.5 miles with trains running between Blunsdon and Hayes Knoll, plus an extension south to Taw Valley Halt at Mouldon Hill Country Park within the Borough of Swindon. There is likely to be an element of queuing at the grotto to meet Santa as most people want to take photos, and this takes time. But, we ensure that everyone gets the full Santa experience. Adults £9, child with present £10 and child under two £5 http://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/

Cinderella will go to the ball at Bristol's Hippodrome, until January 6 2019. Strictly sensation, comedian, King of pantomime and musical theatre star Brian Conley leads the cast in the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. In this family-friendly show packed with spectacular special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy, everyone’s favourite fashion guru Gok Wan will be offering helpful style tips to The Ugly Sisters and creating the most magical ball gown in panto-land for Cinderella in his role as The Fairy Gokmother. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella/bristol-hippodrome/