There's plenty for children and adults to enjoy at the theatre this Christmas, as Andrea Calvesbert reveals.

SHOUTS of 'Oh no it isn't, Oh yes it is' are starting to echo around the area's theatres heralding the start of Christmas panto season. What a choice there is this year. Apart from the many amateur productions being staged in village halls around the counties, the main theatres have an impressive line up of stars and stories to ensure there is something for everyone.

Let's start with The Swan Theatre in Worcester. Meet Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs between December 5 and 30.The Swan's 2005 panto received rave reviews so this should be something special.

Tickets range from £8.50 to £14.50 and can be booked at the box office, Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, or on 01905 611427.

The Swan is also likely to be the setting for the ever popular Kays Theatre Group panto which will be Puss in Boots. You can save this for a New Year treat as it runs from January 16 to 27 2007.

Ticket info was to be confirmed at the time of going to press but for more details check the website www.kaystheatregroup.btinternet.co.uk.

Cinderella may have a glass slipper, but the rest of the story is likely to take on a more far-fetched feel at Malvern Theatres. Heading the cast are Lisa Goddard,Tony Scannell and Dave Benson-Phillips. This runs from December 15 until January 8 and tickets priced between £10.50 and £18.50 (there are also various concessions) can be booked on 01684 892277 or on line at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.

For a really traditional family panto why not try travelling to The Roses Theatre at Tewkesbury where the writers of the popular pre-school children's series The Tweenies have been busy penning Jack and the Beanstalk.

Playing from December 1 to January 6, there is plenty of time to catch this panto and with regular prices from £10.50 to £13.50 and various cheaper seats depending on when you book and for which performance, there should be something for everyone. Book on 01684 295074 or www.rosestheatre.org.

Chipping Norton Theatre is kicking of its panto season early on November 16 with Mother Goose. Anyone who has never experienced a pantomime at this little theatre should put this one top of their list. There is no guarantee how the story is going to go this year, but treats in previous years have usually included plenty of sweets being thrown into the audience - a definite crowd pleaser for those under the age of 10 - or 34!!! It runs until January 6 2007 and tickets can be booked on 01608 642350 or www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk.

If you can't get excited about the idea of a noisy pantomime even at Christmas, there is no need to miss out on a seasonal trip to the theatre. Evesham Arts Centre is hosting a festive concert on December 10 featuring Bretforton Silver Band.Tickets are £6 from 01386 834326. See www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk for more information.

Number 8 in Pershore is staging White Christmas from December 4 to 9. Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) promises festiveness, fun and family entertainment with singing, dance, comedy and soloists. You can also enjoy the Vienna Festival Ballet performing Sleeping Beauty on December 14 to 16 and The Nutcracker on December 16 at Number 8. To book call 01386 555488, or www.number8.org.