There are some fantastic pantos taking across south Essex, make sure you get booked up to see one of the magical shows over the festive period.

Cinderella at Towngate Theatre, Basildon

Echo: Magic show - CinderellaMagic show - Cinderella (Image: Towngate Theatre)

The Towngate Theatre will be sure to sweep you off your feet with the magical pantomime of Cinderella.

Taking place from Friday November 24 to Tuesday January 2, the show will be co-produced and directed by Simon Fielding and will feature Sophie Ladds, back on stage for her 16th Towngate panto, as the iconic character of the Wicked Stepmother.

The Towngate’s resident dame, Ian Hallard will return for his third year running. He’ll once again be popping on his fabulous frocks and wacky wigs as one of the Ugly Stepsisters.

Alice Hoult as their fairy-tale Cinderella, Luke Ward-Wilkinson as cheeky Buttons, Jack Speck as dreamy Prince Charming and Aaron Bladen as mischievous Dandini.

Tickets cost from £13.50.

To book tickets, visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300.

The Wizard of Oz at The Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff

Echo: The Wizard of Oz - at the CliffsThe Wizard of Oz - at the Cliffs (Image: The Cliffs Pavilion)

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist, The Vivienne will play The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz at The Cliffs Pavilion.

It shows from Tuesday February 20 to Sunday February 25, and will also see Gary Wilmot reprise his West End role as The Wizard The new musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, tours the UK and Ireland throughout 2024, following a celebrated run at the London Palladium.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See the Wizard - with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The Vivienne, who will perform as The Wicked Witch of The West, says: “It is quite literally a dream come true to be asked to play The Wicked Witch of the West and to bring this amazing character to life. The Wizard of Oz means everything to me, it’s the ultimate story of overcoming adversity.

Ticket prices vary. Visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/tickets-the-wizard-of-oz-southend-2023.

Peter Pan at The Palace theatre, Westcliff 

Echo: Peter Pan - showing at The Palace TheatrePeter Pan - showing at The Palace Theatre (Image: The Palace Theatre)

Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this swashbuckling J M Barrie adventure.

Starring comedian Joe Pasquale as Smee, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder as Captain Hook, dame extraordinaire David Robbins as Mrs. Smee, this family treat will include all your favourites from Neverland including Wendy (Michelle Francis), Tinkerbell (Ciara Ford), John and Michael Darling.

With special effects, stunning sets, costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take the family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before.

Tickets prices vary. The show takes place from Saturday December 9 to Sunday December 31.

For more information visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/panto-southend-essex-pantomime-2023.