From classic panto to puppet theatre, these local shows can't fail to make you feel festive, as Velvet's Louise Cummings reports

Catch Robin of Loxley and his merry band doing a runner from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham as they steal from the rich and give to the poor in this year’s swashbuckling panto at Theatre Royal Bury. Samuel Knight plays the bow and arrow wielding lead in The Legend of Robin Hood, with Chris Jackson slapping on the greasepaint as outrageous dame, Little Joan, and Jessica Dennis bewitching our tight-wearing hero as no-nonsense noblewoman Maid Marion!

See The Legend of Robin Hood at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, November 25 – January 14. More at theatreroyal.org

If panto isn’t your bag, this corker of a festive family show is sure to get you in the spirit of the season! Bursting with fun, dance and music, The Nutcracker – performed by award-winning inclusive dance theatre company Moxie Brawl – is a new adaptation of a classic Christmas tale.

Inspired by the original story from 1816 (and cranked up to 2022) the energetic extravaganza, brought to life by disabled and non-disabled performers, features dancing nutcrackers, giant sweets, singing mice and a Santa’s sleigh full of holiday cheer.

Supported by Cambridge-based company Stobbs IP, the show is fully accessible, and British Sign Language interpreted, delivering Christmas joy to all!

The Nutcracker is at Cambridge Junction, December 7 – 31. More at junction.co.uk/the-nutcracker

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A dazzling cast has been unveiled for this year’s spectacular pantomime at Cambridge Arts Theatre. Taking on the role of the evil King Rat in Dick Whittington and his Cat is award-winning TV and West End star Rolan Bell, who scooped the Best Villain Award at The Pantomime Awards 2022. Hiss!

And back as the lusty, busty dame – Sarah the Cook – is the hilarious Matt Crosby, returning for his 17th Arts Theatre pantomime. Yay!

Joining the devilishly talented duo in principal roles are Luke Baker, as our plucky hero, Dick; Charlie Cameron as trusty sidekick Tommy the Cat; Ruby Ablett as Alice Fitzwarren and Nichole Bird as the lovable Silly Billie.

With an incredible ensemble of dancers, a toe-tapping soundtrack and a witty script penned by resident panto writer Al Lockhart-Morley, it’s set to be a feel-good extravaganza!

Dick Whittington and his Cat runs December 1 to January 8 January. More at cambridgeartstheatre.com

Feeling a little bah humbug? Well, here’s the antidote! Stapleford Granary is hosting five fabulously festive days, December 10 – 14, with a Christmas market, mulled wine, candlelit concerts and seasonal treats in the on-site café.

Enjoy yuletide music from Middle Ages (GreenMatthews' Gaudete!); festive favourites from Onyx Brass; and exquisite puppetry and storytelling as Theatre of Widdershins perform Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom.

Stapleford Granary – a beautiful arts centre ‘for the culturally curious’ situated at the foot of the Gog Magog Downs – is worth a visit any time of year, but is all the more magical at Christmas!

Find out more at staplefordgranary.org.uk

Holy humbug - Santa is missing! Can your little one turn super sleuth to avert a North Pole nightmare by tracking down the big man in the red suit? Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has partnered with arc Shopping Centre to create a magical Christmas Cabin in Charter Square. You’re invited to join Chief Elf Älva in Santa’s living room, to help search for clues, and rescue Christmas!

Where’s Santa is a 20-minute captivating show starring The Archers’ favourite Terry Molloy as Santa and local actor Hatty Ashton as Älva, and is perfect for children aged 2 to 7.

The Christmas Cabin is open December 2 – 24, with admission by pre-booked tickets only. Visit theatreroyal.org