A selection of pantomimes have already been announced across Merseyside's theatres.
It may be the height of summer with temperatures soaring right now, but its never too early to book your panto tickets to ensure you don't miss out. This year's line-up so far includes shows such as Aladdin, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.
Pantomimes are still hugely popular in the UK and each year shows come to Merseyside that entertain audiences of all ages. There's no doubt there'll be more shows announced in the coming months, but we've rounded up the current shows on offer during this year's festive period below.
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Sleeping Beauty
If you can't wait until Christmas to get your panto fix, then head to St Helens Theatre Royal for its October performance of Sleeping Beauty. Regal Entertainments will be bringing the enchanting story of Princess Aurora to the stage with a talented cast. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: October 22-31.
Where: St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St Helens, WA10 1LQ.
Aladdin
Shone Productions Ltd will be bringing a magical production of Aladdin to the M&S Bank Arena this year with a star-studded cast, live band and thrilling special effects. The cast includes Radio City's Leanne Campbell, returning crowd favourite Bippo and former Coronation Street star Conor McIntyre.
Join the cast on a magical carpet ride to Old Peking and meet Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee and his mother Widow Twankey as they battle against the evil Abanazar. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
When: From December 16-29
Where: M&S Bank Arena, King's Dock, Port of Liverpool, 16 Monarchs Quay, L3 4FP.
Cinderella
Cinderella is coming to St Helens Theatre Royal this December, featuring Coronation Street's Kimberly Hart-Simpson and Britain's Got Talent stars Jamie Leahey and Jon Courtenay. More cast members will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the panto are on sale now, with prices from £18. Before Kimberly won the role of Nicky Wheatley in the popular soap, she worked behind the scenes in St Helens Theatre Royal's costume department.
Kimberly, who is taking on the lead role of Cinderella, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas. I have such fond and happy memories working in wardrobe behind-the-scenes on costume and set with Regal Entertainments, that it'll feel like a homecoming.
"Playing Cinderella is going to be quite an experience, and I really cannot wait."
Theatre manager Chantelle Nolan added: "Kimberley is a very welcome addition to the Cinderella cast. We watched her flourish as a seamstress, and now it's so special seeing her grow as an actor.
"We have the real pleasure of nurturing talent through Regal Entertainments' productions, so it's always a privilege when we have the opportunity to welcome back talent - backstage to the lead role is a first for us, and it's a very exciting prospect. We're looking forward to becoming part of Kimberly's next adventure, she is going to make a captivating Cinderella."
Tickets are available here.
When: December 3, 2022- January 8, 2023.
Where: St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St Helens, WA10 1LQ.
Little Red Riding Hood
The Everyman Theatre's rock 'n' roll pantos are always a highlight of the festive season, and this year will see the theatre play host to a new version of Little Red Riding Hood. You may think you know the classic fairytale, but The Everyman will be adding an exciting twist to the much-loved story. There will be outlandish and sparkling costumes, plenty of plot twists and surprises and musical hits performed by a talented cast.
This year's panto will be a little different as, for the first time in 19 years, it won't be written by Mark Chatterton and Sarah Nixon, with a new creative team set to work their magic on the show. The production will be directed by The Everyman's new creative director, Suba Das. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: November 25 2022 - January 14 2023.
Where: Everyman Theatre, Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BH.
Aladdin
LHK Productions and The Atkinson have announced that Patsy Kensit will be the star of their 2022 Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. Patsy, who began her acting career aged four, will be granting wishes as The Genie of the Lamp this festive season.
Patsy has a list of Hollywood roles to her name, including The Great Gatsby and Lethal Weapon. She also topped the charts with her pop band, Eighth Wonder, during the 1980s and has appeared in popular shows such as Emmerdale and Holby City.
Lee Kelly, director of LHK Productions, said: "We cannot wait to return to The Atkinson this Christmas, and working with Patsy Kensit is a real dream come true. The whole panto cast and crew are so excited to start rehearsals and to bring some festive fun to Southport for another year running. Patsy is a huge asset to this year's production, and we can't wait to watch her bring the beloved Genie to life."
Patsy Kensit added: "I'm really looking forward to taking to the stage in Southport and having lots of fun with my fellow cast members. It's set to be a fantastic show for all the family and I'm excited to don my costume and transform into The Genie of the Lamp to grant some special wishes this festive season."
Where: The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB.
When: December 8-31
Elf: A Christmas Arena Spectacular
Hit Hollywood blockbuster movie Elf has been supersized into a live arena show featuring film backdrops on a huge LED screen plus a mobile stage that travels the auditorium, so everyone gets a close-up view of the action.
The show features Santa’s flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, indoor snowstorm, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, aerial cirque stars and giant TV screens so you don’t miss a second.
The story is recreated by a large cast of performers into the biggest live Christmas show in the UK. The festive show will feature West End star Steven Serlin as Buddy the Elf, Blackpool and Butlins resorts new comedy star Jordan Conway in a multitude of roles, TV’s ‘Birds Of A Feather’ comedy actor Charlie Quirke as the cop and Kelly Banlaki returns as the leading lady playing Buddy’s love interest, Jovie the elf.
Where: M&S Bank Arena, King's Dock, 16 Monarchs Quay, Liverpool, L3 4FP
When: December 3 - 4, 2022
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