CHRISTMAS is on its way and that means one thing - pantomimes are back for the festive season (Oh yes they are!).

Visiting the pantomime is a festive tradition for most families and we compiled a list of the top five shows to see in the Vale of Glamorgan and the surrounding area.

Jack and the Beanstalk – Memo Arts Centre

Jack and the Beanstalk is this year's pantomime at the Memo Arts Centre in Barry.

Jack climbs the beanstalk and discovers a huge castle full of riches beyond his wildest dreams but is home to an evil giant.

Penarth Times: Jack and the Beanstalk will come to Barry this December. Picture: NewsquestJack and the Beanstalk will come to Barry this December. Picture: Newsquest (Image: newsquest)The show runs from Wednesday, December 13 – Sunday, December 17. Performance times Weds to Friday at 10 am & 7.30pm, while on Saturday and Sunday times run at 11am & 3pm.

Prices are £16.75 for adults and £14.75 for children and children (U16) wheelchair users.

Elves Overboard – Cowbridge Town Hall

Elves Overboard is a new Christmas Pantomime that is coming to Cowbridge.

The Pantomime has Ex Wales Rugby star Gareth Thomas as the voice of Santa Claus, Steps singer Ian H Watkins as the spirit of Christmas and Welsh singer Caryl Parry Jones as Mrs Claus.

Penarth Times: A new panto comes to Cowbridge this year. Picture: Cowbridge Panto/Cowbridge Town HallA new panto comes to Cowbridge this year. Picture: Cowbridge Panto/Cowbridge Town Hall (Image: Cowbridge Panto/Cowbridge Town Hall)

 

On Christmas Eve Santa’s elf Bubble and Squeak takes an unexpected spin when the sleigh hits bad weather tossing the elves overboard in Cowbridge.

The show runs from Saturday, December 16 until Christmas Eve with tickets priced at £12.

Puss in Boots – Paget Rooms

This legendary cat pays a visit to Penarth, the traditional pantomime is full of fun, laughter, sparkle, and shine for a great family treat.

Follow Puss the Spanish cat as he is transformed into the only and only puss in boots after receiving magic boots from a good fairy.

Penarth Times: Puss in Boots will come to Penarth next month. Picture: Dreamworks PicturesPuss in Boots will come to Penarth next month. Picture: Dreamworks Pictures (Image: Dreamworks Pictures)The show runs from Thursday, November 30 until Sunday, December 3 Tickets are priced between £12 and £15.

Aladdin – Wales Millennium Centre

Just a 24-minute drive from Barry and a ten-minute drive from Penarth, Aladdin flies into Cardiff.

The pantomime will feature iconic music from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, guests can expect a show filled with unforgettable magic and comedy.

Penarth Times: Aladdin will fly into Cardiff this December at Wales Millennium Centre. Picture: Getty Images - Brian A JacksonAladdin will fly into Cardiff this December at Wales Millennium Centre. Picture: Getty Images - Brian A Jackson (Image: Getty Images - Brian A Jackson)The show runs from Thursday, December 7 until Sunday, January 14, tickets are priced between £20 and £100.

Jac and the Beanstalk – New Theatre

 A 31-minute drive from Barry and a 17-minute drive from Penarth Jac and the Beanstalk comes to Cardiff City Centre.

The star-studded lineup includes Lesley Joseph, Mike Doyle, Aaron James, Dequar Chupack, Steve Arnot and Adam Bailey.

Penarth Times: Jac and the Beanstalk is this year's pantomime at the New Theatre. Picture: New TheatreJac and the Beanstalk is this year's pantomime at the New Theatre. Picture: New Theatre (Image: New Theatre)Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans, and audience participation.

The show will run from Saturday, December 9 until Sunday, January 7. Tickets are priced between £24.50 and £46.