A cursory look at our listings pages will tell you that the region’s theatres are caught in the midst of a crossdressing frenzy, the kind of which would no doubt be banned in Trump’s America. In short, it’s panto season and here are a few of our faves.

Leah Bell is a real force of nature and her pantos at the Empire Consett are always one of the big highlights of the festive season. This year she’s turned her considerable writing and directing skills to perhaps the greatest festive treat of them all in the shape of ‘Cinderella’ (29 November-31 December). This most magical of all fairy tales will be packed full of adventure, dazzling costumes, hit songs, all your favourite characters and plenty of audience participation.

Su Pollard was made for pantos and she’ll be giving it some welly when ‘Sleeping Beauty’ comes to Darlington Hippodrome (6-31 December). She’s set to be joined by singer, TV actor and musical theatre star Lee Mead; top panto comic Josh Benson; and – in the title role – the brilliant Mamma Mia: I Have A Dream star Stephanie Costi.

Over at Gala Durham the tried and trusted team that brought us their brilliant take on Cinderella are back once again with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (21 November-31 December). I

n the mysterious abandoned Château de Pitié pour Moi (or Pity Me Castle as the locals call it) there is a terrible curse hanging over it and its inhabitants. Inanimate objects Madame Horloge and Monsieur Brillant come to life, and it is rumoured a terrible Beast also lives there. Will local lass Belle be able to break the curse? (Spoilers: yes.)

‘Snow White’ will be anything but chilly when she rocks up at Middlesbrough Theatre (6 December-4 January). This fun-packed family panto is the 26th panto to be presented by Extravaganza Productions and, once again, they will be pulling out all the stops. Melinda Messenger is set to star as the Wicked Queen (boooooo!) while TV personality and stuntman Philip Green will be getting the big laughs in his role as Muddles the Jester.

I’m not sure if you’d describe ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Northern Stage as a panto, per se, but, as ever, their festive offering will come complete with all the trimmings. Charles Dickens’ classic story of ghosts, greed and goodwill will fill the stage with magic, music and merriment as Scrooge gets put through the ringer. But will the tight-fisted old codger learn the error of his ways? (Spoilers: yes.)

The big yuletide show from the Sunderland Empire is another classic in the shape of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ (pictured). And, in the titular role, is the one and only Matthew Wolfenden – best known for his role in ITV’s Emmerdale. He’ll be joined by North East Queen of Comedy, the fabulous Miss Rory. Expect a romp of the highest order.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen ‘The Little Mermaid’ done as a panto, but if anyone can do it full justice then it’s the tried and tested team at the Theatre Royal (26 November-12 January). Once again the unbeatable combo of panto superstar Danny Adams – along with Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and a very game Joe McElderry – will be doing their uproarious best alongside newcomers Maggie Lynne and Christian Maynard.

Finally for your delectation the Tyne Theatre and Opera House have lined up ‘Snow White’ (6 December-5 January). The cast here features Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions Winners ‘Twist & Pulse’, Dancing on Ice winner Regan Gascoigne, and South Shield’s very own Grace Davision as Snow White. Our advice: see the lot.

For times, tickets etc visit: empireconsett.co.uk; darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk; galadurham.co.uk; boxoffice.middlesbrough.gov.uk; northernstage.co.uk; atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire; theatreroyal.co.uk; tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk