Venues across the borough are set to deliver fabulous mix of spectacle and sparkle with the arrival of the panto season.

Richmond Theatre is famous for its pantos and this year promises fabulous cast, plus a twist on a traditional story as well as stunning magic and circus tricks.

The Exchange in Twickenham has opted for a series of shows with a Christmas theme, which includes a one week run of Dick Whittington for youngsters getting their first taste of live theatre.

The Hampton Hill Theatre is bringing a host of panto favourites together in an explosion of fun, while the OSO in Barnes is spicing up Cinderella.

Richmond Theatre

December 3-31 - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

TV's Matt Baker leads the cast of this spectacular show, which offers a twist on the traditional fairytale.

The Goldilocks' circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner.

The performers, including Joey the Clown, must rescue the Big Top from ruin. All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang.

For four weeks only, Richmond Theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, with a show featuring extraordinary special effects and amazing circus tricks as well as all of your favourite moments from a traditional pantomime such as slapstick scenes, boos and hisses, singalongs and much more!

Matt is reprising the role of Joey the Clown that was first seen in an acclaimed show that first ran at the famous London Palladium in 2019. A gymnast in his youth, he will be showcasing his own circus skills, including tumbling and tightrope walking.

He is joined by West End star and impressionist Jessica Martin (Spitting Image, Me and My Girl) as this year's baddie Countess Von Vinklebottom and award-winning pantomime dame Nigel Ellacott as Betty Barnum.

Hilarious comedian Phil Walker leads the circus as Ringo the Ringmaster with Tamara Morgan (Half a Sixpence) playing the titular role of Goldilocks.

Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that's just right!

Following the evening performance on Tuesday, December 6, Nigel Ellacott (Dame Betty Barnum), who is panto legend will be in conversation with Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association and Senior Curator of Theatre and Performanceat the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Nigel has performed in pantomimes across the country since 1974 and last year was awarded UK Pantomime Association's Outstanding Achievement Award.

An authority and ambassador for all things panto, Nigel also designs and creates his own costumes, a selection of which were acquired by the V&A in 2017.

Having been exhibited by the museum, these now form part of the museum's world-renowned National Collection of Performing Arts which also features other costumes and designs for Dames including Danny La Rue, Les Dawson and Stanley Baxter.

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/goldilocks-and-the-three-bears/richmond-theatre/

Oso Arts Centre, Barnes

December 7-21 – Cinderella (And the Forbidden Ball)

Cinderella dreams of attending one of the Prince's lavish balls

But when, with the help of her hairy-fairy godmother, her wish is granted, she is shocked to discover that the Palace has not been entirely honest in their public communications.

Prepare your cheers, boos, and glass shoes for a twist on the nation's favourite fairytale. It is guaranteed fun for all the family.

From writer/director Jonny Danciger and the company behind Peter Pan (Navigates the Travel Ban), Rapunzel: The Original Isolation Story, and Roger McGough's Money-Go-Round.

https://osoarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173628263

The Exchange, Twickenham

December 17-22 – Dick Whittington

A Christmas show for the young children experiencing live theatre for the first time re-tells the mostly traditional tale of young Dick, who came to London to make his fortune.

The show will also tell the truth behind the legend, who he really was, how he really travelled to London (through Twickenham on a boat) and how his great deeds gave rise to the story we know today.

Full of fun, laughter, phonics, counting, dance, song, shapes, puppetry and a flying cat.

The interactive show is a magical blend of local history and legend combined into beautiful storytelling that will have little ones entranced, grown-ups in stitches and everyone feeling the magic of Christmas.

December 2-3 – The Exchange will host a series of live actor and puppet shows – A Christmas Carol and Hansel & Gretel.

A magical new adaptation of A Christmas Carol - a co-production with the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham - is lovingly brought to life with remarkable puppetry and all original music .

Ebenezer Scrooge, a hard-hearted and mean-spirited old sinner, despises cheer and festivity. But this Christmas, one magical night will change his life forever.

A brand new festive take on this classic fairy-tale adventure, featuring beautiful puppets, innovative theatre and magical original music.

A new adaption Hansel & Gretel carries a Christmas theme. When the pair get lost deep in the woods, it seems they will never make it back in time for Christmas dinner.

However, they discover a whole host of new friends willing to help them out! And perhaps the Witch living in that delicious gingerbread house isn't quite what she seems.

https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/

Hampton Hill Theatre, Hampton Hill High Street

December 3-11 - Guardians of the Pantoverse

Highlight of the Hampton Hill Theatre calendar is always the Teddington Theatre Club Panto.

Guardians Of The Pantoverse has been specially written by Danny Wain and features all of Panto's best loved characters.

It tells the story of the evil King Rat who has trapped Beauty, Widow Twankey, Prince Charming and other top panto pals in his dastardly video game. Join us on a quest to release them!

Hot from the beanstalk, giant-slayer Jack will lead our merry band, with help from Muddles, Baron Hardup and of course you, the audience! But watch out, King Rat's evil henchman "The Glitch" will stop at nothing to thwart our plans.

Landmark Arts Centre

December 10-11 – The Twelve Days of Christmas

The School of Dance Mortlake returns to the Landmark after a two-year absence.

Join them for fun filled ballet, based on the popular Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas", with music and dance and a comic touch to guide you into the Christmas spirit!

https://www.landmarkartscentre.org/shows/the-twelve-days-of-christmas/