Oh, yes it is!
PUBLISHED: 11:45 25 November 2014 | UPDATED: 11:45 25 November 2014

David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook
Archant
Pantomime season is here to add some Christmas cheer to the festive season. Compiled by Holly Eells
27 November to 3 January
Times vary
Peter Pan
The Broadway
Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS
Polka Dot Pantomime are presenting a spectacular panto for all the family, whether you are three or 103 years old! Fun, magic and adventure and everything you can expect from a traditional pantomime. Peter Pan stars Essex’s own Darius J James as the boy who never grew up, alongside Charlotte Sullivan from Time 107.5fm. Peter Pan will also feature 50 children aged eight to 18 from the local community too.
www.thebroadwaybarking.com
29 November to January 10
Times vary
Sleeping Beauty
The Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT
Beautiful Princess Aurora and handsome Tom Clutterbuck are young and in love but constantly thwarted by the over-protective King Ethelbert. But you can understand why, Aurora’s dad is so worried about his daughter since Fairy Carabosse put an evil spell on her. Now, it’s the day of Aurora’s 18th birthday and, according to Carabosse’s terrible curse, the day she will fall asleep for a hundred years. Join The Queen’s Theatre on a death-defying expedition from the castle to forest with Tom and the gang — all wrapped up with a lot of panto fun and frolics.
Admission: £12.50 to £26.50
01708 462 395
3 December to 4 January
Cinderella
Times vary
The Towngate Theatre, St. Martin’s Square, Basildon SS14 1DL
After a record-breaking performance
of Rapunzel last season, Simon Fielding returns as the director and star of the Towngate’s Christmas panto. This fantastic panto will feature a wonderful cast with a mix of brilliant characters, much-loved songs and, most of all, it will be sprinkled with a hint of Towngate panto magic.
Admission: Adult from £18.50, child from £16.50 and family from £65
01268 465465
3 December to 4 January
Times vary
Peter Pan
Chelmsford Civic Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1JG
When Peter Pan flies into the bedroom of the Darling children one night and flies them to Neverland, a treasure chest of adventure begins. Join Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys to do battle on Peter Pan’s arch enemy, Captain Hook.
01245 606505
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres
5 December- 11 January
Cinderella
Mercury Theatre
Balkerne Gate
Colchester CO1 1PT
Standby evil laughter, get ready thunder and lighting! Panto time is here again, and in Stoneybroke Hall the wicked Baroness Evilla is forcing poor Cinderella to live an awful life as a cleaner, cook, maid and all-round slave. When the Prince of Colchester Castle proclaims his plan to pick a princess at a posho party, Cinders’ ugly step-sisters set out to take his hand in marriage… by force if necessary!
Admission: £10 to £26.50
01206 573948
12 December to 4 January
Cinderella
Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square
Harlow CM20 1LS
The world’s favourite pantomime will sweep into town this Christmas, as Cinderella reaches for the stars at the Harlow Playhouse. Featuring great comedy, music and dance, Cinderella will be a visually stunning show, with astounding effects, ingenious sets and luscious costumes. Local actor and presenter, Joe Swash, will be playing Buttons alongside many more leading UK performers.
Admission: £10 to £22
01279 431945
13 December to 11 January
Peter Pan
Cliffs Pavilion Station Road
Westcliff on Sea
SS0 7RA
Come and enjoy this star-studded pantomime with the whole family. Starring David Hasselhoff as pantomime’s ultimate baddie and joined by the nation’s favourite pantomime Dame, Christopher Biggins, who will make his Southend pantomime debut this Christmas in the role of Mrs Smee.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk
16 December
7.30pm
Mother Goose
The Benson Bar Bradford Street Braintree CM7 9AU
The Benson Bar presents a professional performance of Mother Goose, ideal for the whole family as a Christmas treat.
Admission: Adults £12.50, children £8
01376 326621
www.thebensonbar.com