What’s On: A trio of rip-roaring, tinsel-topped pantomimes

The season of flamboyant dames, talking cats, aesthetically-challenged sisters and wicked stepmothers is almost upon us!

At Cambridge Arts Theatre, Mother Goose will have fans flocking in for an egg-stravaganza of a show. Cambridge’s favourite dame, Matt Crosby – who recently starred in Nolly alongside Helena Bonham Carter - returns for his 18th Arts Theatre panto to play Gertie Goose. Will Mother Goose open her own bakery, or will lovesick Squire Purchase foil her plans? Written by Al Lockhart-Morley, Cambridge Arts Theatre’s resident pantomime writer since 2014, it’s sure to be a hoot! Catch Mother Goose, November 30 to January 7 (visit cambridgeartstheatre.com).

Haverhill Arts Centre is set for feisty feline fun with its in-house production of Dick Whittington, December 15 to 24. Coronation Street heartthrob Scott Wright steps into the role of dastardly King Rat, with David Learner as Alderman Fitzwarren, Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros playing the title role and Michael Heslop camping it up as Sarah the Cook. Full details at haverhillartscentre.co.uk

At Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Life Patron Dame Judi Dench is making her panto debut as the voice of The Magic Mirror in Snow White! ‘Thrilled’ by the role, she quips: “Who knows. . .next year they might make me a Dame!” Beth Tuckey returns as Lady Lucretia, the wannabe-Queen obsessed with anti-ageing; Craig Painting plays chaotic castle cleaner (and all-round good egg) Dusty Crevice whilst Lara Lewis steps into the shoes of Snow White, the motorbike-loving princess of Buryland. Snow White runs November 24 to January 14, with more information at theatreroyal.org