WHAT could be more British than pantomime? And where better to be this Christmas than the Three Counties, where local audiences will be spoilt for panto choice - oh yes they will!

Pantomime, where the leading man is often an attractive lady in drag, and where the audience is invited to sing-along, is one of the UK's gifts to the wider world, although its origins are ancient and probably linked to Ancient Roman and Greek theatre and also to the Italian "commedia dell'arte" tradition, of the 16th century, where the figure of Harlequin first took a graceful bow.

Harlequin has long since given way to the pantomime dame, for a peculiarly British twist on the telling of fairy tales.

Panto will come to the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Monday November 30 to Sunday, January 30, with the rags to riches tale of Dick Whittington, the poor boy from Gloucester who makes his way to London to seek his fortune.

A spokesman said: "With help from his cheeky feline friend, Tommy the Cat, Dick sets out to find out if the streets really are paved with gold, and if good really can defeat evil.

"Panto treats abound - hissing and booing at the evil Queen Rat, laughing at the antics of Ginny the Cook, spectacular song and dance numbers and some really great gags."

Tickets and further details on, 01905 611427.

And if Worcester audiences want more, The Swan has more.

Kays Theatre Group will offer Little Bo Peep at The Swan Theatre in the New Year, from January 21 to January 31.

A spokesman said: "Directed this year by Ann Mayor and Sue Sanderson, the panto features local favourites, Barry North as Mefisto the Magician, Richard Hulbert as Dame Fanny Fairacre, Britt Packer as Principal Boy, and Hattie Amos in the title role of Little Bo Peep."

The panto offering at Malvern Theatres will be Peter Pan, from December 10 to January 3.

A spokesman said this will be "a magical show for all the family".

The spokesman added: "This spectacular production, adapted from the original story by JM Barrie, stars Mark Moraghan as love-able baddie Captain Hook. Mark is famous as Owen Davies from Holby City and more recently as Adrian Mortimer in ITV’s Coronation Street. Starring alongside Mark will be Balamory’s PC Plum, Andrew Agnew and Hannah-Jane Fox from CBBC’s Millie Inbetween."

Tickets and further details on, 01684 892277.

Beauty and the Beast will be delighting audiences at The Norbury Theatre, Droitwich with shows between Friday, January 8 to Saturday, January 23.

A brave and loving heroine, two stupid sisters and a young prince who learns that love can truly change him as well as a good fairy, a cruel countess, a very clever horse and a spooky suit of armour all add to the fun.

The Kirsty Purvis School of Dance will be performing in the production with tickets costing £8 and £10 available by calling 01905 770154.

The Roses Theatre at Tewkesbury is preparing to leave the real world behind "in exchange for pumpkin carriages and mischievous mice", with Cinderella as the seasonal offering, from Saturday November 28 to January 2.

A spokesman said: "Audiences will be invited to escape to the ball of the century, complete with magic, visual extravagance and an abundance of comic antics. This rags to riches story, produced by the same stellar team behind last year’s Beauty And The Beast, is full of madness, music, and mayhem."

Tickets and further details on, 01684 295074.

Cinderella will also go the ball at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre, where the audience is being advised to polish their pumpkins for festive family fun.

A spokesman said: "From the creative team which brought you last year’s record-breaking show, this year it’s the original rags to riches story and everyone’s favourite panto, Cinderella. "Will Cinders get to the Ball, will she find her Prince Charming or will the wicked stepsisters win the day?"

Cinderella comes to the Everyman from Friday from November 27 to Sunday January 10.

Tickets and further details on 01242 572573.

Ledbury Amateur Dramatics Society will bring Old Mother Hubbard, a Wild West Pantomime Adventure, to Ledbury's Market Theatre, from Thursday January 21 to Saturday January 23 and

from Wednesday January 27 to Saturday January 30.

A spokesman said: "On the verge of being evicted from their home, Old Mother Hubbard, her son, Hughie and Polly, her pretty young daughter are granted a wish by the Good Fairy to try and find their long lost Uncle Oswald. In a blinding flash of light they are magically transported to a sun-baked prairie in the Wild, Wild West."

Tickets and further details on, 07967 517125.

The panto at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre will be "Beauty and the Beast", from November 27 to January 9.

A spokesman said: "It's a beast of a show."

Tickets and further details on, 01432 340555.

Dick Whittington will be searching for panto gold at Bromsgrove's Artrix Theatre, from December 13 to December 20.

A spokesman said: "Whittington is a fantastic traditional family pantomime with lots of fun, laughter and audience participation."

Tickets and further details on, 01527 577330.