OH no it isn’t, oh yes it is!

Panto season is well underway in Worcestershire.

Yesterday marked the first night of Malvern Theatre’s annual pantomime, which this year is Cinderella, starring CITV and Nickelodeon presenter Jamie Rickers as Buttons, Hi-de-hi’s Ruth Madoc as Fairy Godmother and Hi-5’s Emma Nowell as Cinderella.

The show also features the sensational Shetland Ponies and the stars of the Great Malvern Christmas lights switch on, The Ugly Sisters (Bobbie Kent and Anthony West). Cinderella runs at Malvern Theatres until Sunday, January 6.

To book tickets, call 01684 892 277 or visit malvern-theatres.

co.uk.

In Worcester, the festive fun is already well underway as the Swan Theatre’s annual panto marked the start of the Christmas season last week. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stars Fiona McGregor as the beautiful Snow White and Ben Humphrey as the evil Queen Grizelda. The start of the show marked the end of two intense weeks of rehearsals; learning and perfecting the songs and dances, full runthroughs, dress and technical rehearsals.

Ben said: “People are often amazed to find out that our rehearsal period for the pantomime is only two weeks, they can’t believe that we managed to create such a brilliant show in no more than 14 days.”

Helen Leek, principle of Academy Dance, has choreographed several dance routines for the show as well as training the three junior dance teams performing as the dwarfs this year.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Swan Theatre until January 6 and tickets are available by calling 01905 611427 or online at theswantheatre.co.uk.

In Hereford, a production of Dick Whittington started last month and continues until January 6. For tickets, call the box office on 01432 340555 or go online to courtyard.

org.uk.

Next month, Kays Theatre Company of Worcester presents Dick Whittington at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, between January 18 and 27 and the Phoenix Theatre Group take to the stage at Evesham Arts Centre with their 2013 pantomime Mother Goose between January 23 and 27.