It’s Behind You!

Embark on some traditional pantomime fun this festive season as JLife previews the family-friendly spectacles which aren’t to be missed.

Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood

Following hot on the heels of the success of prior productions, the rock ‘n’ roll panto returns with Peter Rowe’s captivating adventure. Expect all the traditional elements, including lots of audience interaction and heaps of corny gags, soundtracked by classic pop and soul hits from the 60s, 70s, and beyond.

27^th November – 10^th January

City Varieties Music Hall

Visit Cityvarieties.co.uk or call 0113 297 7040.

Aladdin

Fasten your seat belts for a magical carpet ride of mystery, sparkling romance, and dazzling adventure with this lavish adaption. Go along and cheer 911 star Lee Brennan as Aladdin, Leeds’ panto favourite Jez Edwards as Wishee Washee, and Stephen Richards as Widow Twankey, as they battle the evil magician Abanazar. Will the handsome hero find true love with Princess Jasmine?

4^th December – 9th January

Carriageworks Theatre

Visit Leeds.gov.uk/Carriageworks or call 0113 224 3801.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Get ready to fly high with one of the world’s favourite musicals and its mixture of madness, intrigue, and exuberance. Can the loveable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom?

2^nd December – 30^th January

West Yorkshire Playhouse

Visit Wyp.org.uk or call 0113 213 7700.

Jack and the Beanstalk

New Pantomime Productions returns for the 17th year with the tale of poor Jack who resorts to selling his beloved cow at the market for five magical beans. The star-studded cast features appearances by Emmerdale star Stuart Wade as Dame Tilly Trot, The X Factor’s Jade Ellis as Fairy Peapod, Scooch’s Russ Spencer and Caroline Barnes as Jack and Jill, reality TV personality Lewis Bloor as King Willy, theatre performer Chris Casey as Simple Simon, and Nathan Haymer-Bates as Giant Blunderbore.

11^th December – 3^rd January

Grand Opera House, York

Visit Atgtickets.com or call 0844 871 3044.

Aladdin

This year’s festive offering promises to be as majestic as ever as Aladdin’s quest for true love gets underway. With a little help from the Genie and the audience, maybe he can grab the magic lamp and woo the girl of his dreams despite the dastardly Abanazar’s plans to throw a spanner in the works.

1^st December – 17^th January

Harrogate Theatre

Visit Harrogatetheatre.co.uk or call 01423 502 116.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Watch mayhem and much laughter ensue in the retelling of the boy who traded a cow for a handful of magic beans. The line-up will be led by Billy Pearce (as Jack) who returns to the theatre for his 17^th festive season. Joining him on stage are television and stage stars Lisa Riley as The Spirit of the Beans, John Challis as Fleshcreep, and Jake Canuso in the role of The Broadbean.

12^th December – 24^th January

The Alhambra Theatre

Visit Bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 437 788.