What’s on: Prepare to laugh, cheer and sing along as panto season is here!

From a classic fairytale set in a circus to a hotel from hell run by evil Abanazer, the region’s thrilling pantomimes come with a refreshing twist, as Louise Cummings discovers

Time to indulge your inner child as the season of panto arrives in a cloud of glitter, greasepaint and gags galore!

The most magical rags-to-riches tale of all, Cinderella, will bring the glittering world of glass slippers, handsome princes and enchanted pumpkins to life at Cambridge Arts Theatre. Written by Al Lockhart-Morley, its principal cast includes audience favourite Matt Crosby as Buttons (returning for his nineteenth Arts Theatre panto); Chloe Gentles as Cinderella and Harry Howle and Steven Roberts joining dastardly forces as the Wicked Stepsisters. Directed by Michael Gattrell, Cinderella runs from November 28 to January 5. More at cambridgeartstheatre.com

Over in Ely, The Maltings will be transformed into a magical Big Top for a sensational showcase of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The dazzling KD Theatre production features director Rob Stevens as the fabulous Dame Betty Barnum; Joey Warne as the energetic Silly Billy Barnum; Michael Loftus as the Evil Ringmaster; Hope Thompson in the title role of Goldilocks and the beloved three Bears, played by David McNair, Mollie Kate Angus, and Sarah Bluck. See the show December 13 to January 5.
Visit kdtheatre.co.uk

Nineties pop star and lead singer of the Honeyz, Celena Cherry, is bound for Haverhill Arts Centre to play Fairy Honey in Jack and the Beanstalk. Vowing to undo her good work is the villainous Fleshcreep, played by David Learner, joined by a cast of talents including Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros as Jack Trott; Aaron Blackburn as Daisy the cow; Michael Heslop reprising his role of Dame Trott and Jodie Corbett as Jill Kindheart.

Witness Jack doing battle with the grumpy giant from December 14 to 24 and book at haverhillartscentre.co.uk

Theatre Royal Bury will look decidedly different come November 22 as it masquerades as Abanazer International, the finest hotel in all of Arabia. Here you’ll find Aladdin on hand to help carry your bags, Washy ready to collect your laundry and evil owner Abanazer poised to rule the land (or so he hopes!). Cheer on Aladdin and his trusty sidekicks as they battle to defeat the hotelier from hell. With award-winning costume designer, Dawn Allsopp, in charge of wardrobe, expect a spectacular feast-for-the eyes and sets which exude grandeur.

See Aladdin November 22 to January 12. Book at theatreroyal.org