IT'S panto time again! So, use the kids as an excuse and get along to any of the first class offerings in the area for a spot of "oohs" and "aaahs!" and "he's behind yous!"

Most of the traditional pantos are being staged in the region, plus a few different festive shows like "The Twits" at Bolton's Octagon Theatre.

Here, Angela Kelly offers a quick round-up of what's on in pantoland . . .

Cinderella, The Albert Halls, Bolton

Home-grown comedian Stu Francis is a cheeky Buttons in this charming family spectacular. Leah Kate is a lovely Cinders and Simon Leigh is charismatic as Prince Charming, with Michael James Batchelor and Adam Daye as camp ugly sisters Germoline and Clearasyl outstanding. Good supporting cast includes an impeccably drilled chorus of students from Bolton Dance and Performing Arts College. Riotous, wholesome fun for all ages.

Runs until January 8. Booking office: tel 01204-334433.

The Twits, The Octagon Theatre

One of Roald Dahl's best-loved stories is transferred to the stage in a wickedly funny production that will have children in particular squirming and squealing with delight. This version of his tale of the sloppy, smelly and downright nasty couple who kidnap and hold a family of Muggle-Wump Monkeys has a brilliantly young and energetic cast. Jesse Inman and Nicky Goldie star as Mr and Mrs Twit in superbly grotesque comedy form, while everyone will be rooting for Muggle-Wumps Naomi Cortes and Michael Lambourne.

Runs until January 14. Booking office: tel 01204-520661.

Peter Pan, The Opera House, Manchester

Definite liberties are taken with J M Barrie's original tale of the flying boy and his friends in this show, but the effect is brilliant and captivating. Tinkerbell (Eastenders' Sophie Lawrence) is a thoroughly modern, high-flying roller-blader, and Eastenders' hard man Phil Mitchell (actor Steve McFadden) doubles as Mr Darling and dastardly Captain Hook. Plenty of audience participation, fun and acrobatics on offer.

Runs until January 8. Booking office: tel 0870-060-1768.

Aladdin, The Met, Bury

The Rocian Production Company injects an original slant to this Arabian tale with the help of Paul Goatzee's imaginative script, Glenn Noble's deft direction and clever staging by designer Eilidh Bryan. Professor Murdo Murchison (Peter Gallagher) gives a lecture on artefacts including an old carpet and an ancient lamp while daughter Sarah (Lisa Chae) is being romanced by museum caretaker's son Alan (Jake Norton). She rubs the lamp, and suddenly the genie whisks them off to Arabia.

Runs until December 31. Booking office: tel 0161-761-2216.

Dick Whittington, Oldham Coliseum

A traditional panto tale is brought bang up-to-date as Abigail Rosser dons the high boots and slaps her thighs convincingly as Dick, Charlotte McKay shows spirit as Alice Fitzwarren and Paul David-Gough wins over the tinies in the audience as Idle Jack. King Rat involves entertaining work from Andonis Anthony and Christopher Wright is an impressive, gravel-voiced Sarah the Cook. Great wardrobe design and excellent young dancers help make this highly successful production.

Runs until January 14. Booking office: tel 0161-624-2829.

Cinderella, The Lowry, Salford

Ex-Coronation Street actress Lucy-Jo Hudson makes a pretty Cinderella in this panto which spares no expense. In a nice equality twist, impressionist Faith Brown is Baroness Hardup, the wicked stepmother, and another delight is Janice Connolly (Holy Mary in Phoenix Nights) as the Fairy Godmother. The comedy continues with Ugly Sisters Nicole and Paris, played by Lindzi Germain and Joe Standerline, and Mark Pearce makes an endearing Buttons to steal the show.

Runs until January 8. Booking office: tel 0870-060-1768.