Pick of the pantos in the West

1 One of the original cast members of the long-running BBC drama EastEnders, Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale, takes on the role of Abanazar, the wicked uncle in Aladdin, at the Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon. Aladdin is a folk tale of Middle Eastern origin. It is one of the tales in The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, and one of the best known - but it was not part of the original Arabic text but added later.

The pantomime version runs until Sunday, January 6 at the Swindon theatre. Taking the part of Wishee Washee is Gary Jerry, Rosanna Harris is Princess Jasmine, Adam Bailey plays Aladdin and David McKechnie is The Emperor. Katherine Hare the director says that her principals have made her job easier and they have made the whole process enjoyable. She says this is the first time she has worked with Adam Woodyatt and that it was lovely getting to know him.

"He's a really positive cast member who mucks in with everyone else and gets on with it. It's always refreshing to meet people you admired on TV or film for years and to discover they are just normal people who want the best for the show,'' she said.

Katherine began in the theatre as an actress before switching to directing in her late twenties. She is currently the resident director with the West End show Bat Out Of Hell.

Katherine says that the Swindon version of Aladdin has a special twist of comedy as the script was co-written by Neil Bromley, who plays Widow Twankey, and writer Tony Casement.

"We are so lucky to have an exceptionally funny script. It makes such a difference to have a cast member who knows the script backwards and can help me and the rest of the cast deliver it in the best possible way.''

The enchanted story is full of Eastern promise including two genies, a magician, a magic carpet and magic lamp. 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 until Christmas Eve. 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 present a combination of witty humour and music in the bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book. For more details call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.

3 Cinderella and Her Interstellar Adventure, begins at 7.30pm in the Phoenix Theatre, New College, Queens Drive, Swindon daily until Thursday December 20. Take a journey into deepest, darkest space with Lucy Skywalker as she battles the evil Daft Vader, in this inter-galactic tale of Cinderella meets Star Wars! The licensed bar will be open offering mulled wine, beers and a selection of soft drinks. Tickets are £5.70 from 01793 732861 (Ext: 261).

4 Robin Hood arrows in to The Watermill, Bagnor, Newbury until Saturday, January 5, 2019. A daring tale full of music, laughter and bravery in this heroic Christmas adventure. 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. Music is by Hugo White. Tickets are £12 to £25 from 01635 45834.

5 Peter Pan starring Paul Nicholas is a swash-buckling, unmissable Christmas treat at the Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath until Sunday, January 13. Peter Pan has flying, CGI special effects and all the traditional ingredients. J.M. Barrie’s 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 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. For tickets and more details call 01225 448844.

6 The Velveteen Rabbit hops into The Irving Studio Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham at 11.30am daily until Sunday, December 23. One Christmas, a child wonders if toys have a life of their own 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 he 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. A beautiful story played out with live music and song, and plenty of chances to join in. The perfect show for children who may be too young for the main house pantomime experience. For more details visit 01242 572573.

7 The Elves And The Shoemaker head for Swindon this Christmas presented by Puppets4Peas. The show for young ones 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. The Christmas show runs at the Shoebox Theatre in Swindon's Theatre Square until Sunday December 23. To book tickets visit www.shoeboxthetre.org.uk/whatson

8 Cinderella will go to the ball at Bristol's Hippodrome, until Sunday, 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 with special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy, everyone’s favourite fashion guru Gok Wan will also 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. For tickets and more details visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella/bristol-hippodrome/

9 This year’s Egg Theatre in Bath's Christmas show steps back in time to revolutionary Paris, for a colourful adventure packed with plenty of song, outrageous fashion, intrigue and derring-do! The Scarlet Pimpernel runs until Sunday, January 13, 2019. In a fresh and contemporary take on the popular novel, the show is set in Paris in 1792 when the French Revolution is in full swing… Whispers are rife that a mysterious band of bounders, led by a flamboyant masked hero, are helping French poodles – and their owners - escape to England. Meanwhile, Marguerite is tired of balls, banquets and French fancies, brought home by her foppish husband, Sir Percy. As she seeks a better life, she uncovers a string of heroic deeds and artful plot twists revealing the elusive and admirable Pimpernel to be closer to home than she thought...

The Scarlet Pimpernel is produced by Pins & Needles Productions with witty wordplay, brave women, not-so-brave men, hysterical double disguises, elaborate hoaxes, poodles aplenty and very, very high wigs. Tickets and more information including detailed performance schedule and schools discounts call 01225 823409.

10 Aladdin, written and directed by legendary Blue Peter presenter and actor Peter Duncan is at the Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham. Polish your lamp and book a magic carpet ride to the Everyman Theatre to see Aladdin - the pantomime where wishes do come true! See website for times and prices or call 01242 572573.

Wyvern Pantos through the years

1971/72 – Dick Whittington and His Cat

1972/73 – Cinderella starring Howell Evans and Sue Holderness

1973/74 – Dick Whittington starring Ian Lavender and Helen Shapiro

1974/75 – Aladdin

1975/76 – Mother Goose starring Patsy Blower

1976/77 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

1977/78 – Jack and the Beanstalk starring Tony Brandon

1978/79 – Cinderella

1979/80 – Jack and the Beanstalk

1981/82 – Aladdin starring Bernie Winters and Tim Swinton, Jackie Pallo, Jimmy Thompson and Anne Sidney

1982/83 – Babes in the Wood Starring Jess Conrad (Robin Hood) & Norman Vaughan (Merry Norman)

1984/85 – Cinderella starring Sheila Harrod (Dandini) Roger Dean (Ugly Sister Ruby) Don Crann (Ugly Sister Sal) and April Walker (Prince Charming)

1985/86 – Aladdin starring David Griffin (Wishee Washee) & Don Crann (Widow Twanky)

1986/87 – Jack and the Beanstalk starring Johnny Ball

1987/88 – Babes in the Wood starring Peter Duncan (Silly Billy) & Bruce Montague (Sheriff of Nottingham) & Pollyann Tanner (Maid Marion)

1988/89 – Dick Whittington starring Andrew O'Connor (Idle Jack), Michael Groth (Dick Whittington) & Peter Denyer (King Rat)

1989/90 – Mother Goose – Starring Adam Woodyatt (Silly Billy) and Chris Harris with Terry Hall and Lenny the Lion

Adam Woodyatt and Lenny the Lion Wyvern Panto Flyer

1990/91 – Aladdin – Starring Floella Benjamin (Aladdin) and Bobby Gee

Floella Benjamin Wyvern Panto Flyer

1991/92 – Cinderella – Starring Matthew Kelly (Buttons)

1992/93 – Jack and the Beanstalk – Starring Trevor Bannister (Dame Trott) Mark Franklin (Jack) Hugo Myatt (Igor the Henchman) & Scarlott O'Neal (Jill)

1993/94 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Starring Brian Hibbard (Herman the Henchman) Dave Lynn (Queen Morgiana) & Danielle Carson (Snow White) & Pollyann Tanner (Fairy Godmother)

1994/95 – Dick Whittington – Starring Jimmy Cricket

1995/96 – Aladdin – Starring Timmy Mallett (Aladdin)

1996/97 – Cinderella – Starring Jess Conrad as Prince Charming and Bernie Clifton as Buttons

1997/98 – Babes in the Wood – (Charles Vance Productions) Starring Paul Leyshon (Robin Hood), Hugo Myatt (the Sheriff of Nottingham) and the Roly Polys as the Merry Men

1998/99 – Jack and the Beanstalk – (Charles Vance Productions) Starring Colin Baker (Dame Durden). With Rod, Jane and Freddy

1999/2000 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – (Charles Vance Productions) Starring Jacinta Stapleton (Neighbours' Amy Greenwood) as Snow White and Paul Ladlow as the Wicked Queen. Also featured Mike McCabe and Sandy Martin (BBC Radio Swindon).

Jacinta Stapleton Wyvern panto flyer

2000/1 – Aladdin – (Charles Vance Productions) Starring Aleetza Wood (Home and Away's Peta Janossi) as Aladdin, Geoffrey Hinsliff (Coronation Street's Don Brennan) as Widow Twanky, Bobby Dazzler as Wishee Washee and Juliette Kaplan (Last of the Summer Wine's Pearl) as the Empress of China. Also featured Tweedy & Alexis as Ping and Pong.

2001/2 – Cinderella starring Emma Willis (Cinderella), Bernie Clifton (Buttons), Pollyann Tanner (Dandini), Paul Mead (Baron Hardup)

2002/3 – Dick Whittington starring Geoffrey Hayes (Simple Simon), Pollyann Tanner (Dick), Hugo Myatt (King Rat), Colin Baker (Sarah the Cook).

2003/4 – Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring Vicky Binns (Goldilocks), Howard Taylor (Ringmaster), Ross Davidson (Dame Dolly), Amanda Sandow, Alfie the Alligator and Willy Wyvern

2004/5 – Jack and the Beanstalk starring Juliette Kaplan (Fairy), Paul Bradley (Fleshcreep), Jo Martell (Jill), Daniel Boys (Jack)

2005/6 – Peter Pan starring Steven Pinder (Captain Hook), Daniel Boys (Peter Pan), Jonah Cook (John Darling), Aaron Jenkins (Michael Darling).

2007/8 – Cinderella starring Britt Ekland (Fairy Godmother) and Tequila her Chihuahua & Ross Hunter

2008/9 – Aladdin starring Shaun Williamson (Abanazar), Neal Andrews (Wishee Washee)

2009/10 – Sleeping Beauty starring Lorraine Chase (Carabosse), Ceri-Lyn Cissone (Sleeping Beauty), Edd Post (Prince Harry)

2010/11 – Peter Pan starring Paul Nicholas (Captain Hook), Richard Vincent (Peter Pan), Pearce Barron (John Darling), Thomas Snowball (Michael Darling)

2011/12 – Cinderella starring Keith Chegwin (Buttons), Saskia Strallen (Cinderella), Adam King (Prince Charming), Alex Young (Fairy Godmother)

2012/13 – Aladdin starring Keith Chegwin (Wishee Washee) David Ashley (Abanazar) Suzie Chard (Fairy)

2013/14 – Jack and the Beanstalk starring Keith Chegwin (Silly Billy), David Ashley (Dame Trot), Jennifer Greenwood (The Fairy)

2014/15 - Dick Whittinton starring Nigel Havers (King Rat), David Ashley (Sarah the Cook), Lucy Kane (Alice Fitzwarren)

2015/16 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Adam Woodyatt (Chambers) & David Ashley (Nurse Nelly)

2016/17 - Cinderella starring Adam Thomas and David Ashley

2017/2018 - Peter Pan starring Adam Woodyatt from EastEnders

2018/2019 Aladdin starring Adam Woodyatt from EastEnders