The panto season begins in earnest tonight as Bradford Alhambra and Halifax's Victoria Theatre open their doors for evening performances.

"Cheeky chappie" comedian Billy Pearce returns to the Alhambra to play the title role in Dick Whittington (until February 6) with co-stars including Postman Pat.

Also appearing are Paul Usher, the former Brookside bad guy and The Bill copper, Fame Academy finalist Carolynne Good, and Calendar presenter Faye Barker.

Brendan Cole, from TV's Strictly Come Dancing, stars as Prince Charming opposite children's BBC star Stacey "Cavegirl" Cadman in the title role of Cinderella (until January 3).

The pantomime at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, also features Tom Hudson, who plays Baz in Grange Hill, Ulric Browne who plays Winston in Eastenders, and comic cat Garfield.

Aladdin is this year's traditional family show at Leeds City Varieties (until January 9) and features regular bad guy Jon Adamson along with Matthew Daines, Rebecca Trehearn and Paul Shipp.

Aladdin and His Magic Lamp will be at Colne Municipal Hall (January 7-23) featuring Tiffany Chapman who played Rachel Jordache in TV soap Brookside.

Also across the border, Burnley Pantomime Society presents Jack and the Beanstalk at the town's Mechanics on January 7-15.

Tickets for most of the shows are on sale at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall. Otherwise phone 01274 432000 (Alhambra), 01422 351158 (Victoria), 08456 441881 (City Varieties) 01282 661234 (Municipal Hall), 01282 664400 (Mechanics).

n Peter Pan is a dance rather than a panto at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, in Northern Ballet Theatre's world premiere performance tomorrow.

Pirates, fairies, wild animals and death-defying flying help portray the classic story of the boy who never grew up.

An award-winning director, designer and composer have created all-new staging and music to bring to life the Darling family home, Hook's pirate ship and Peter's Neverland.

Runs until December 31. Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre or phone 0113 222 6222.

n Children can learn more about themselves and the world around them in this year's pantomime at Halifax children's museum Eureka.

Alice in Blunderland is a short show aimed at four to 12-year-olds, who can take part in the action and help Alice solve a series of mistakes.

Based on Lewis Carroll story, the show will allow children to make choices, meets challenges and solve problems.

Admission is included in the price of museum entry, and there are several performances each day from tomorrow to Thursday, and December 27-January 5. Open 10am-5pm. Phone 01422 330069.

n Blues singers, wooden puppets and a regal lion make up a triple bill to entertain all ages at the West Yorkshire Playhouse this Christmas. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the Leeds theatre's blockbuster adaptation of CS Lewis's famous children's story.

Four children fall into the magical world of Narnia, until February 5, and discover that an evil white witch has condemned the land to eternal winter.

Pinocchio (until January 15) is aimed at four to eight-year-olds and follows a little puppet's adventures as he learns to tell the truth and become a real boy.

Blues in the Night (until January 29) follows the stories of three women and a saloon singer as they sing 24 classic blues numbers.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre or phone 0113 213 7700.