For my money, the Northern Stage panto is always THE greatest in the north-east, and this year’s ribbon-wrapped delight looks enchantingly brilliant. Get ready for ‘The Snow Queen’.

I love a panto, and often manage to get to three or four (sometimes more) each year, but there’s just something so special about Northern Stage’s offering each festive season. It’s the all-in performances, the drama, the laughs, the costumes—yes—but they also sprinkle it with something else. Do I want to say magic? Absolutely! That’s exactly what I want to say. And I always find that their pantos are just as much fun for adults as they are for kids. This year’s blockbuster is ‘The Snow Queen’, and it concerns a girl called Gerda. She’s the only child in Stifle—until Kai arrives. But when the cruel Snow Queen spirits Kai away, Gerda leaves her icy town behind to embark on an epic adventure. Can she rescue Kai and save Christmas? (Spoilers: I haven’t seen it yet, but probably.) For me, Christmas is all about treats, and they don’t get any bigger than the Northern Stage panto. DP

The Snow Queen, 3 December-2 January, Northern Stage, Newcastle, times vary, from £12, northernstage.co.uk