IF the festive season means one thing in the world of theatre - then it's pantomime fun.

And this year there's enough knee slapping across the region to bring a smile to the face of the ugliest sister. So the Guardian brings you an update on what, where, when - and whose behind you!

Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop brings a new slant to the age-old story of the boy who refused to grow up. The group presents its performance of Peter Pan at Northwich Memorial Hall from Wednesday, January 17 to Saturday, January 20.

The show starts at 7.30pm each night and there is even a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets are on sale now at £5 (£3.50 concessions) from Mrs Rowe on 782442 or the memorial hall on 41430.

Sandiway Pantomime Group is performing the classic fable Robinson Crusoe with an original panto twist.

The show is the group's eighth panto and Mike Linsell is again the producer with Bob Shiller taking the directorial reigns.

Crusoe is at Sandiway Church Hall from Thursday, January 18 to Saturday, 20. Tickets cost £4 or £5 and are on sale soon by ringing 01606 882309.

But if you can't wait that long then Winsford Civic Hall might have just the thing with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Fresh from switching on the town Christmas lights, the play stars Coronation Street's Tony Barton who is ably supported by the Joan Pierpoint dancers.

The show runs from Friday, December 22 to Saturday, 30 (excluding Christmas and Boxing Days) with two performances each day at 2pm and 6.30pm (only 2pm on Christmas Eve).

Tickets are £6 with a special family ticket at £20 and are available from the box office on 867539.

But if you don't mind travelling further afield for your festive entertainment there is plenty more on offer.

Rainbow favourites Rod Jane and Freddy join BBC's Otis the Aardvark and a host of other television stars at the Crewe Lyceum for Aladdin.

The show is on from December 8 to January 6 and for more details ring the box office on 01270 537333.

Paul Nicholas and Linda Robson are in Peter Pan at Stoke's Regent Theatre from December 14 to January 21 (box office 01782 213800). Meanwhile Altrincham Garrick Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk (0161 9281677).