HM Theatre, Aberdeen, and Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, are putting on lavish, large-scale productions, but in other cities, towns and villages you’ll find enthusiastic drama groups staging shows that offer just as much fun and laughter.
Here’s a selection of pantos taking place:
ABERDEEN AND THE NORTH-EAST
ALADDIN
Presented by Castlegate Arts at ACT Aberdeen
Fly with Aladdin on a magical-carpet ride in this year’s Arts Centre and Theatre pantomime, featuring genies and a host of crazy characters on their adventures with the magic lamp.
Runs from tomorrow, December 6, until Tuesday, December 24.
Contact: www.aberdeen performingarts.com or 01224 641122.
ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD
Presented by Attic Theatre at The Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen
The Tivoli and the Attic pantomime are back. Hold on tight for this hilarious and heartwarming mash up of panto favourites, in the first pantomime held at the Tivoli in over 50 years. A fun-filled outing of live music, singing, dancing, slapstick and lots of audience participation.
Runs from Saturday, December 7, to Saturday, December 21.
Contact: www.aberdeen performingarts.com or 01224 641122.
CINDERELLA
Presented by Peterhead Pantomime Group at the Community Theatre, Peterhead
Fun for all the family when the classic fairytale is brought to life.
Runs from Saturday, December 7, until Saturday, December 14.
Contact: 01779 477277 or buy tickets from Peterhead Community Centre.
KNIGHT FEVER
Presented by Centre Stage at the Bettridge Centre, Newtonhill
A playful take on the story of King Arthur and his knights, featuring lots of fabulous songs, dances and hilarity for all. Leading the laughs will be Steven Dongworth as Lester the Jester and Roy Browning as Dame Doris Dumpling.
Runs until this Saturday, December 7.
Contact: Christina Day on 01569 730740.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
Performing at Inverurie Town Hall
Join Snow White as she embarks on an adventure through a fairytale land, making the acquaintance of seven diminutive characters who help her find her handsome prince.
Runs from Saturday, December 7, until Wednesday, December 24.
Contact: www.inveruriepanto.com
ALI BABA AND THE FOUR TEA THIEVES
Presented by Kemnay Panto at Kemnay Village Hall
Ali Baba and the beautiful Princess Macademia battle to protect themselves and all the boys and girls from the evil Sultan. Along the way, they meet a magical genie and four rather suspicious types who may be a bit light-fingered.
Performances tomorrow and Saturday.
Contact: Sidelines, High St, Kemnay, on 01467 642323.
CINDERELLA
Presented by Braemar Pantomime Group in the Village Hall, Braemar
The group celebrates its 21st birthday by presenting an updated version of the first panto it performed, Cinderella.
Runs on December 19-21 and December 26.
Contact: 013397 41549 or buy tickets directly from Braemar Pharmacy, Davidson the Chemist and Victoria Garage in Ballater.
PETER PAN
Presented by Ury Players at Stonehaven Town Hall
Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys swashbuckle their way through this classic family adventure.
Runs until Saturday, December 7.
Contact: uryplayers@ hotmail.co.uk or call 01569 763524.
ALADDIN
Presented by Brechin Amateur Operatic Society and Opus Theatre Club at Brechin City Hall
Hilarious high adventure featuring Maia Middleton, in the role of Aladdin, and Erin Smith as Princess So-Shi. The wonderful Brian Mathieson will fill the role of Widow Twankey with young Wishee Washee played by Caitlyn Boyd.
Runs until Saturday, December 7.
Contact: 01356 625866.
MORAY
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Presented by Elgin Amateur Dramatic Society, Town Hall, Elgin
Laughter and excitement all the way with this long-established company’s latest offering.
Runs from Wednesday, December 11, until Saturday, December 14.
Contact: Tickets from Beaver Travel, South Street, Elgin, or at the door on the day.
HIGHLANDS
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore
Join Giggles the Jester and his friends as they tell the magical tale of King Humphrey and Queen Boa and what happens to their daughter, Aurora.
Runs on December 7, 14, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and January 2 and 4.
Contact: 01479 815100.
MACALADDIN
Presented by Newtonmore Drama Group, Village Hall, Newtonmore
After the success of Pete and Tink’s adventures last year, the drama group are back with their Strathy take on Aladdin. Lots of family fun and audience participation.
Runs on Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14.
Contact: Newtonmore Village Hall – 01540 673 234.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Presented by the Stornoway Thespians at An Lanntair Arts Centre, Stornoway
Runs from December 5-7 with various morning, afternoon and evening performances.
Contact: 01851 703307.
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
Presented by Stuart Morrison in association with the Stornoway Thespians, at An Lanntair Arts Centre, Stornoway
Stornoway’s professional panto is back featuring a full supporting cast of west-end performers.
Runs January 15-18.
Contact: 01851 703307.
DUNDEE
THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT
Presented by Dundee Rep Ensemble at Dundee Rep Theatre, Tay Square, Dundee
Adapted for the stage by David Wood and directed by Joe Douglas, this captivating tale of good versus evil will delight children of all ages.
Runs until Tuesday, December 31.
Contact: 01382 223530 or www.dundeerep.co.uk
PERTH
CINDERELLA
A Perth Theatre Production at Perth Theatre, High Street, Perth
Cinderella is the last production in Perth’s 114 year-old theatre before the historic venue closes for two years while it is restored and transformed.
The panto is packed with great songs and amazing dance routines and offers plenty of laughs.
Runs from tomorrow, December 6, until Saturday, January 4.
Contact: 01738 621031 visit www.horsecross.co.uk