Happy panto season (From Stroud News and Journal)

Happy panto season

LOOKING for that perfect family entertainment thrill this Christmas?

Then get those jaw muscles in gear for shouting "He's behind you!" and read the SNJ's guide to the best shows in driving distance of Stroud. You WILL go to the pantomime, Cinder-SNJ reader!

The Everyman, Cheltenham presents its homegrown production of Dick Whittington directed by Sue Colverd, until Saturday, January 11, while The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury presents Aladdin, also until January 11.

Panto-mania also strikes the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon with a production of Dick Whittington, starring Colin Baker and Geoffrey from Rainbow, until January 11.

Theatre Royal, Bath also goes panto-frantic this year with its blockbuster, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, until Sunday, January 19, whilst the Bristol Hippodrome presents Dick Whittington starring Jim Davidson and John Virgo (in an attempt to snooker the competition perhaps?) until January 12.

If you're after slightly more refined family-oriented Christmas entertainment however, there are three splendid options, all still within driving distance.

The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon are presenting Adrian Mitchell's enchanting adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe until February 9, and Bristol's Old Vic presents The Wind in the Willows in their main theatre until January 25.

Four Toys in a Tent (A Load of Country Noises and No Loud Bangs) runs at the New Vic Studio until January 11.

There is now no excuse at all for any SNJ reader with a predilection for pantomime not to have a very happy Christmas indeed.