Christmas is here – nearly – which means it’s pantomime season.

And that means there’s no shortage of choice to get your panto fix, with drama groups across the area rising to the occasion.

Peter Pan is on show at the Bocking Arts Theatre this month to help audiences get into the festive spirit. This classic fairytale is ideal for all the family and will wow fans with wonderful songs and dazzling dancing.

Laughs are also guaranteed, with plenty of Christmas cheer and audience participation. Shows are running until Christmas Eve.

Visit wegottickets.com/thebocking or call 01376 618189 for full details of times and tickets.

Meanwhile, Dick Whittington And His Cat will entertain crowds in Witham with 11 showings. Performances start on Thursday, December 20, and run until Friday, December 28, at Witham Public Hall.

It tells the tale of Dick, who has spent most of his years at sea but has decided to step back on to firm land to head to London to make his fortune.

With him is his pet cat, which turns out to be to his good fortune, because together they rid London of quite a few rats.

He is rewarded by being made the Lord Mayor of London and wins the hand of the beautiful Alice.

Naughty Dick Whittington, packed with innuendo and rude words, will also be at the venue on December 22 and 28. Visit ticketsource.co.uk/essexgroup.

Slightly further down the line, the Kelvedon Players will be putting on seven shows of Cinderella.

The wicked Baroness Lucrecia Do-Well is forcing Cinderella to work as a cleaner, cook and maid.

When the Prince Charming proclaims his plan to pick a princess at a posh party, Cinders’ ugly step-sisters Grizelda and Brutica set out to take his hand in marriage – by force if necessary.

Can the Baroness be defeated? Find out at the Institute from January 25 until February 2.

To book, call 07742 53219, visit kelvedonplayers.co.uk or go to the Sandwich Bar on High Street.