Like it, or loathe it – it’s that time of year again folks. Christmas has crept up on us like a real steam train. It seems like only a few weeks since Titanic Belfast opened its doors and the Irish Open took over Portrush. But don’t fight it, embrace the Christmas festivities, and what better way to do that by taking in one of the many Christmas pantomimes on stages across Northern Ireland this month.

City Slickers…

She’s our very own panto-queen, and this year, May McFettridge stars as who else, but The Fairy Godmother to Jayne Wisener’s Cinderella in Belfast’s Grand Opera House from Saturday 8^th December until Saturday 26^th January 2013. Tickets for all performances are now on sale from the box office or online.

Just down the road from the Opera House, one of Northern Ireland’s favourite reporters, Ivan Little portrays Lady Mama in Sleeping Beauty at the Waterfront Hall which began its run on 24^th November and continues with regular performances until Saturday 5^th January. Don’t miss it. Get your tickets now.

Panto on the Foyle

Not to be out-done, Derry-Londonderry has some great Christmas crackers lined up to kick start the festivities. Daniel O’Donnell will make a cameo appearance as the Man in the Magic mirror in the Millennium Forum’s version of Snow White and the Seven dwarfs from November 30^th to January 5^th. Book your seats now.

One of the most popular fairytales, Jack and the Beanstalk is retold in a new production at the Waterside Theatre from Wednesday 5^th until Friday 21^st December. Promising laughter and fun for all ages tickets for this production are now on sale.

All about Aladdin this Christmas

It’s all about Aladdin this Season as the show takes to the stage in venues right across Northern Ireland. Former X Factor finalist, Eoghan Quigg will play the lead role at the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena from Thursday 6^th until Saturday 22^nd December. Tickets for the weekend dates are available online.

Stewartstown Dramatic Society will also bring the tale to life on stage at the Burnavon theatre Cookstown next year with the production running from Friday 11^th January to Saturday 26^th January. With just Friday and Saturday performances make sure you don’t leave it too late to get your tickets.

Aladdin also finds a home in the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen, as the Lakeland Players bring a bit of Eastern Magic on the Fermanagh stage. The show opens on Thursday 10^th January and continues until Saturday 19^th January with a number of evening and matinee performances. Reserve your seats now.

And just for good measure, you can also catch Aladdin and his Princess Jasmine in Lisburn’s Lagan Valley Island centre during the short run from Wednesday 2^nd to Saturday 5^th January. Sure to be a hit with all ages, get your tickets now.

And not forgetting

Photograph credit Liam McArdle

Another favourite fairytale, Sleeping Beauty is this Christmas’ production at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh. Presented in association with The Ulster Theatre Company, the tale will come to life in a spectacle of music, song, dance, colourful costume and proper whimsical adventures. The production runs from 1^st to 23^rd December at tickets are available now.

The Web Theatre Newtownards will be transformed into a scene from the Arabian Knights tale as Sinbad The Pantomime takes to the stage this December. Sinbad is a great show that will appeal to the very young and the well, not-so-young, or young-at-heat. The show runs from Thursday 6^th to Saturday 15^th December and details can be found here.

Whichever show you see this Christmas we hope you have lots & lots of great laughs. Have we missed any of the big pantomimes this Christmas? If so, let us know!