Panto season? Oh yes it is!

Dec 31 2008 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

PANTO season is now in full swing with performances taking place at theatres across the North West.

The Brindley in Runcorn is staging a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs featuring former Brookside and Coronation Street star Michael Starke.

He is joined by his wife of 20 years, Lynn Francis, who will play the Wicked Queen, Sophie McDonnell from CBBC, and ex-Emmerdale star Stuart Wade.

The show runs from January 8-18. Tickets range from £9-£13 and can be booked on 0151 907 8360.

An all-star Liverpool cast is currently starring in Cinderella at the city’s Empire Theatre.

Jennifer Ellison assumes the title role of Cinders, while Cilla Black plays the Fairy Godmother and Les Dennis takes on the role of Buttons.

The show is running until Sunday, January 4. A limited number of tickets (£24) were still available at the time of going to press, and can be booked on 0844 847 2525.

A “rock ’n’ roll” version of Mother Goose is being staged at Liverpool’s Everyman and Playhouse.

Francis Tucker is back for his 10th appearance as the Dame and is joined again by his comedy sidekick Adam Keast as King Bling.

The show runs until January 31, and tickets (£19.50) can be booked on 0151 709 4776.

Former Cold Feet star John Thompson plays Captain Hook in a production of Peter Pan at The Manchester Opera House.

Former Hollyoaks beauty Gemma Atkinson stars as the boy who never grows old, while Gary Wilmot takes on the role of Smee.

The show runs until January 31, visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for tickets (£16).