PANTO SEASON STARTS WITH SPARKLE (OH YES IT DOES!)

There is no doubt that the festive season has finally arrived, and there is nothing quite like going to see a pantomime to get you into the Chrismassy spirit. A whole host of Scott Marshall clients are treading the boards as goodies, baddies and dames this year and here are the highlights:

SHARON D CLARKE // MOTHER GOOSE // Hackney Empire

Sharon D Clarke has already received rave reviews as Charity, the good fairy, in the Hackney Empire’s revival of Mother Goose. Showcasing her incredible voice, she is joined on stage by Clive Rowe as Mother Goose and Susie McKenna as Vanity, her evil sister, in this lavish pantomime. Well worth a gander!

STEWART WRIGHT // DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT // Lyric Hammersmith

Donning a pair of high heels along with his bristling beard, Stewart Wright stars as Baps the Cook in the Lyric’s Dick Whittington and His Cat. Fresh for 2014, the show is full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and the very evil Queen Rat.

PATRICK O’KANE // ROBIN HOOD // Lighthouse Arts Centre, Poole

Patrick O’Kane returns to the Lighthouse Arts Centre this Christmas, as the evil Sherriff of Nottingham in their production of Robin Hood. There are non-stop thrills and spills as Robin takes on the Sheriff of Nottingham and still finds time to catch the eye of the fearless Maid Marion in this classic family tale.

FERGUS O’DONNELL // MERLIN // Royal and Derngate, Northampton

This year, the Royal and Derngate have gone for slightly less traditional Christmas fare, transforming their stage into the mythical kingdom of Camelot. The brilliant Fergus O’Donnell appears as King Uther and King Lot in this magical new take on the legend of Merlin.