THE NIGHTS are drawing in, the central heating is on and the woolly ear muffs are coming out. Oh yes, it’s time to start thinking about which panto you want to see this Christmas.

Comedian Billy Pearce will be back for his 20th Bradford Alhambra pantomime, this time Aladdin starting on December 8, that performing alongside I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! star Christopher Biggins and Blue singer Simon Webbe.

Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.

Over in Halifax the town’s own panto legend Neil Hurst will celebrate his tenth year in pantomime at the Victoria Theatre where he plays the comedy lead in Snow White. He said: “I have loved every minute and have played all the well-known comic panto characters. I should try and work out how many times I have been sloshed – I think it must be about 500 at least!”

Snow White runs from December 13 to January 5. Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk or call 01422 351158 to book tickets.

‘Coming-of-age’ is George Critchley, mastermind of the annual pantomime at the Municipal Theatre in Colne, as he spends his 21st year as producer. Dick Whittington, staged from January 5-20, is actually George’s 23rd year in the comedy role, this time playing Idle Jack.

Beauty and the Beast can be seen at the Carriageworks Theatre from November 23 until December 31, with Emmerdale’s Mia Macey, actress Sapphire Elia, as Belle. Joining her on stage will be Leeds panto favourite Jez Edwards, who has been one of the most popular stars of the Carriageworks’ panto over the past 10 years.

Call 0113 376 0318 or visit carriageworkstheatre.co.uk to buy tickets.

The biggest anniversary this Christmas is at York Theatre Royal where the legendary dame Berwick Kaler still reigns supreme after 40 years.He celebrates with an original pantomime called The Grand Old Dame of York, from December 13 to February 2.

Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk to book tickets.

Manchester Opera House will offer Cinderella from December 8 to 30. Visit atgtickets.com/Manchester to book tickets. The cast includes Coronation Street villain Connor McIntyre alongside his first victim on the soap, Les Dennis, as the Ugly Sisters, and popstar Gareth Gates playing Prince Charming.

Joining them are comedian Ben Nickless (Buttons), CBBC’s Shannon Flynn (Cinderella) and soul singer Hayley-Ria Christian (Fairy Godmother).