Pantomimes 2016: Which stars are treading the boards near you?
David Hasselhoff and 'Rab C Nesbitt' are among the famous faces in this year's Christmas pantos
It's almost that time of year again, when men and women dress up in silly outfits and shout: "It's behind you."
To help you get prepared and book your Christmas pantomime tickets early, we've gathered a list of the upcoming shows from around the country featuring some of your favourite faces, from comedians to comperes, celebrities to soap stars. Oh no we haven't – oh yes we have!
Peter Pan – New Theatre, Cardiff
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David Hasselhoff comes to Wales for some swashbuckling fun in this classic tale of Peter and the Lost Boys on a never-ending adventure. Baywatch and Nightrider star The Hoff returns to the role of the dastardly Captain Hook, joining Cardiff's much-loved dame Mike Doyle as Mrs Smee.
10 December to 8 January
Dick Whittington – Birmingham Hippodrome
EastEnders' Phil Mitchell, Steve McFadden, is used to playing the bad guy - now he takes to the stage as King Rat in the tale of a boy who sets out to make his fortune. John Barrowman takes on the role of Dick with children's entertainers The Krankies appearing as the Councillor and Jimmy Krankie.
19 December to 29 January
Peter Pan – Churchill Theatre Bromley
In another take on the story of the mischievous boy who never grows up, Strictly Come Dancing villain Craig Revel Horwood will turn his talent for cutting remarks and withering put-downs to the role of Captain Hook. He'll be joined by impressionist and Britain's Got Talent finalist Paul Burling as Hook's incompetent sidekick Smee.
9 December to 7 January
Cinderella - London Palladium
Revisit the story of poor, put-upon Cindy, her ugly stepsisters and the transformative magic of the Fairy Godmother – who's played by Britain's Got Talent's Amanda Holden. The starry cast also includes Paul O'Grady as the wicked stepmother, Lee Mead as Prince Charming, Julian Clary as his right-hand man Dandini and Nigel Havers as Lord Chamberlain. Funny Girl star Natasha J Barnes plays Cinderella.
10 December to 15 January
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – New Victoria Theatre Woking
The fairest of them all is joined by a cast of seven small friends, including Warwick Davis, whose credits include Harry Potter, Star Wars and the Chronicles of Narnia. Davis plays head dwarf Prof and will be joined by panto regular Andy Ford as the Henchman.
10 December to 8 January
Cinderella – Kings Theatre Glasgow
This Scottish take on the classic rags to riches tale returns for a second year, starring Gregor Fisher from Rab C Nesbitt as one half of the Ugly Sisters alongside Tony Roper. The show also features Elaine MacKenzie Ellis as the Fairy Godmother and Gillian Ford as Cinders.
2 December to 8 January
Robin Hood – Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Soap royalty Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace, better known as Alfie and Kat from EastEnders, star as the legendary champion of the poor Robin Hood and his comely love interest Maid Marion. Robin tries to win Marion's hand while he and his band of Merry Men do their best to keep one step ahead of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
17 December to 8 January
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