Bundle the family up into winter woollies and check out some of the cracking productions in and around the area.

Here's a rundown of festive pantomines taking place in area this festive season...
 

Beauty and the Beast
Perth Concert Hall
Saturday, December 12 to Saturday, December 26

Written by Alan McHugh and directed by Ian Grieve, Beauty and the Beast stars regular panto dame Barrie Hunter and a cast of favourites.

After refusing to marry the evil Witch Queen, the arrogant Prince Sebastian has been cursed to live as a hideous beast unless he can find a maiden who will fall in love with him. 

Not only that, the Prince’s castle and servants have also been cursed to remain in limbo until the curse is broken. 

The panto dame and her hapless son, along with their best friend – the beautiful Belle – arrive in the village on holiday with but have nowhere to stay. 

The Beast’s manservant thinks that Belle might just be the one to break the curse, and invites them to stay at his home.

With evil witches, fairytale princesses, a dopey dame, a startling set, classy costumes, dazzling dances, magnificent music, and laughs a plenty, it is the perfect panto night out for all the family.

For tickets, prices and details head to horsecross.co.uk 
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Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

The Little Mermaid
The Macrobert Arts Centre
Friday, November 27 to Sunday, January 3

Johnny McKnight takes the helm at Macrobert Arts Centre again this Christmas, writing, directing and starring in The Little Mermaid – a brand new panto for all ages.

Millions of miles beneath Stirling Stella there is a perfect world – Oceania. 

There’s no violence, no gaudy colours, not even a whiff of Celebrity Big Brother. 

However that’s not enough for Ariel, who’s madly in love with the eccentric explorer Pirate Percival Persil.

Joining Johnny on stage for this year’s fishy pirate ‘tail’ are Macrobert panto regulars Dawn Sievewright (Ariana), Robert Jack (Drop Dead Gorgeous Daz) and Helen McAlpine (Samsara / Priscilla) and first timers Miguel Ángel Belotto (Pirate Percival Persil), Kara Swinney (Ariel), Robert Sharpe (Dance Captain / Ensemble) and Rachael McAllister (Ensemble).

Working alongside Johnny on the creative team are Karen Tennent (designer), Grant Anderson (lighting designer), Alan Penman (musical director), Karen Martin (choreographer), Alison Brown (costume design) with Macrobert’s drama facilitator Lucy Wild taking up the role of associate director.

For tickets, prices and details head to macrobertartscentre.org
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Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

Aladdin
The Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline
Wednesday, December 9 to Sunday, December 27

Written by and starring Joyce Falconer (River City) and directed by and starring Mark Hayden (One Man, Two Guvnors), Aladdin features Mark Wood (Spectretown, Xbox’s Can You Out Dance Kylie) as Aladdin, Jennie Evans-Snell (Princess Anna in Sing-along Frozen) as Princess Jasmine and Michael Dylan (One Man, Two Guvnors) as the Genie, amongst a star-studded, supremely talented supporting cast.

Joyce said: “I have very much enjoyed being involved in the scriptwriting for this year’s production of Aladdin. 

“Without saying too much I am looking forward to doubling as a goodie and a baddie in the show. I think the Alhambra is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country and I’m looking forward to entertaining the good folk of Fife again with the best of seasonal family fun.”

Featuring jaw dropping special effects and dazzling costumes, this years Alhambra Theatre panto Aladdin will have something for all the family, with jokes and plenty of laughs.

Director Mark added: “I’m delighted to be returning to Dunfermline this Christmas as the ultimate panto baddie Abanazar in Aladdin. Joyce Falconer and I have been working hard on the script and this pantomime promises to be the funniest ever.”

For tickets, prices and details head to alhambradunfermline.com
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Sleeping Beauty
Devonvale Hall, Tillicoultry
Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, December 20

The panto will play at the venue on Moss Road for three shows.

It is more than just a magical family friendly show, you can get your pictures taken with the cast and Santa for free and there are competitions.

Every person will also get a free snack and drink to take the pressure of the parents and, to top it off, all snacks and drinks sold are three for £2 including ice cream. 

The players love to hear all the shouting, booing, singing and dancing that kids and big kids love but can’t always get away with at other live shows so it is truly an amazing experience. 

The production will run three times: 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, December 19 and 3pm on Sunday, December 20.

For tickets, prices and details head to carryonenterprises.co.uk