Nothing lifts one's spirits quite as much as a seasonal performance at a local theatre on a dark and cold winter's day. The pantomime, in particular, with its witty scripts, bizarre costumes and colourful characters, brings fun and laughter to auditoriums and it remains a true Christmas favourite for families. The following shows are sure to put a smile on everyone's faces…

In Portishead…

The Portishead Players will bring a big dose of festive frivolity with a sparkle of magic to the stage at the Somerset Hall with its modern take on the classic fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. The colourful performance will run from Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9 December, and will feature a gingerbread house and, bizarrely, talking owls and a circus! The pantomime starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday through to Friday, while child-friendly showtimes have been scheduled for the Saturday performances, with a matinee at 1pm and an evening show at 6pm. Tickets are £15 per adult and £8 per child. Tickets are available from Nortech Computers, or on the door or via www.portishead-players.org.uk

Also in Portishead, the Portishead Choral Society Advent Concert on Saturday, December 2 may stir up the Christmas spirit. The concert involves a performance of Musica Sacra dall’Italia, including Ave Maria and Stabat Mata by Verdi, Salve Regina by Puccini and Magnificat by Vivaldi. After the interval, the audience will be wholly encouraged to join in by singing traditional Christmas carols. The concert takes place at Portishead Methodist Church at 7.30pm and tickets are £12.50 each, available from Nortech Computers and on the door.

North Somerset Times: Is your school staging a Christmas production this year?

In Weston-Super-Mare…

Dick Whittington is the Weston Playhouse’s chosen pantomime for 2023 and will run from Friday 8 to Sunday 31 December. This traditional rags-to-riches tale is brought to life on stage by a reputable cast and follows the story of Dick Whittington and his trusty cat on their daring journey through Ye Olde London and onto the high seas, in a quest for fame and fortune. Panto performers from previous years return once again and include Linda Lusardi, Derek Moran and Michael Goble. Linda stars as the villainous Queen Rat, Derek is the lovable rascal Idle Jack and Michael will be rustling up saucepans full of fun and laughter as Sarah the Cook. Tickets start from £24 for adults and from £22 for children. A Friends of the Playhouse discount is also available. For tickets and details see: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre.

Also in Weston, The Blakehay Theatre is set to bring two magical Christmas performances to the stage this year. From December 4 to 18, local company ‘Living Spit’ will be dazzling audiences with its comedic take on the classic A Christmas Carol. The show is recommended for ages 10 years + and runs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm, from December 4 to 18. Tickets start at £15. The second theatrical performance will be run by Bowtie Productions, which will bring Jack and the Beanstalk to the stage from December 8 to 23. As one would expect from a pantomime, the performance promises spectacular musical numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and audience participation. The family-friendly panto will run from Friday to Sunday, from December 8 to 23. Tickets start at £15. For tickets and information, see blakehaytheatre.co.uk.

Away from the swashbuckling family fun in the town’s theatres, Weston Brass and special guests the Somerset Songbirds, will bring a magical Christmas concert featuring a repertoire of traditional festive music to the Winter Gardens Pavilion on Sunday, December 3. Aptly named ‘Christmas Joy’, the concert promises to be a cracker packed with festive favourites such as Jingle Bells, Walking in the Air from The Snowman, Candlelight Carol and White Christmas. The soothing sounds from the brass band are sure to add a good dose of welcome warmth on a cold day, while the 30-strong, all-female choir the Somerset Songbirds will complement the authentic Christmas tunes with their beautiful voices. The concert begins at 3pm and tickets are £10 each. For tickets, see: ticketsource.co.uk/weston-brass

In Clevedon and Nailsea…

It seems Dick Whittington is the pantomime of choice this winter season as Clevedon Comedy Theatre Club will showcase the story of the aspirational Dick with his dependable cat at the Princes Hall Theatre in Clevedon, from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27, January 2024. For details, see: clevedoncomedytheatreclub.co.uk.

While the amateur musical comedy club, Nailsea Musicals, will present their rendition of Dick Whittington at the Scotch Horn Leisure Centre in Nailsea, from Saturday 20 to Saturday 27 January 2024. For details, see: nailseamusicals.org.uk.