PEOPLE are flocking to the two festive productions being staged at Bolton’s Albert Halls and Octagon theatres. So we took a look at who makes the “best baddie”.

In The Octagon corner
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM

WHAT’S the most dastardly thing you have ever done?
Sold my mother to the Eskimos in return for ice for my G&T. Took my sister hostage and made my father pay the ransom.

Have you ever made anyone cry?
I knocked down a house while the inhabitants were still inside – they cried. Sharpened my sword on my Granny’s
teeth – she cried.

What is your favourite weapon?
My brain! I can think of lots of horrible things to do to stop Robin Hood.

How old were you when you realised you were a baddie? And what sparked it?
I was six when I realised I’d been short-changed by the Tooth Fairy.

Who do you think is the best Christmas show/pantomime villain of all time and why?
It has to be the Wicked Queen, the one that’s always talking to herself.

Who is your favourite pop star?
One Direction, obvs.

Are you scared of anything?
Being poor.

Which do you prefer Strictly Come Dancing or X Factor?
Definitely the X Factor — there's no way I'll work with anyone else, so SCD is out of the question.

Would you rescue a damsel in distress?
Only if there's something in it for me! Preferably a lot of money to show her appreciation.

Have you ever cried?
I think I may have done once. I got a splinter from climbing a tree after Robin Hood.

And finally, who would win if there was a battle between the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Giant?
Well there’s no point chatting about it, is there? Let’s get this fight on! Hand me my sword!

In the Albert Halls corner
THE GIANT

WHAT’S the most dastardly thing you have ever done?
Well, I eat people and destroy homes — pretty average day’s work really.

Have you ever made anyone cry?
Yes, by being nasty — naturally. There are too many occasions to mention, but see above for the general gist.

What is your favourite weapon?
A club. I have a particularly heavy one that I use in the panto Jack and the Beanstalk. So be warned!

How old were you when you realised you were a baddie? And what sparked it?
I was only about two years old. I hit my mum with the pram and ran off! I was quite big and strong even then.

Who do you think is the best Christmas show/pantomime villain of all time and why?
Me, because I’m tall, dark and handsome.

Who is your favourite pop star?
Lady Gaga. I think she’s on the same wavelength as me. And her costumes are amazeballs.

Are you scared of anything?
Nothing I know of…

Which do you prefer Strictly Come Dancing or X Factor?
X Factor, especially the early stages with the bad acts. Not many people know this but I can hold a tune myself.

Would you rescue a damsel in distress?
Most definitely — but then I would either eat her or marry her.

Have you ever cried?
Yes but only once. Unfortunately, my last wife didn’t taste very nice

And finally, who would win if there was a battle between the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Giant?
I would of course. But the Sheriff is cunning and would try to trap me with all his men so I would need to watch him carefully. Bring it on!