T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse . . .

. . . except when the house in question is one of our esteemed local theatres, all of which are laying on a rip-roaring panto for your entertainment this year.

It all kicks off on December 1 when the Palace Theatre Watford's regular panto writer Roy Hudd will be teaming up with the theatre's favourite dame, Graham Hoadly, and others for The Legend of Dick Whittington and His Cat.

The panto will be in attendance until January 12 and tickets can be booked on 01923 225671.

Another early starter is Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen at Ealing's Questors Theatre, which runs from December 8 to January 5. Call 8567 5184 to book.

Emmerdale's Fraser Hines will be heading the cast as Simple Simon in the Watersmeet Theatre's Jack and The Beanstalk from December 13 until January 6. Call 01923 771542 to book tickets.

There'll be an Aussie connection at the Beck Theatre's production, Dick Whittington, with not one but two Neighbours stars in the shape of Ryan Manlony (Toadfish) and Elisha Gadowicz (Jessica).

They'll be joining a star-studded team for panto maestro Charles Vance's glittering production from December 14 to January 12. Book tickets on 8561 8371.

Richmond Theatre is going for the award for biggest celebrity line-up this year, welcoming not only Julian Clary but Postman Pat to vie for top billing in Cinderella from December 13 to January 20.

Julian will be joined on stage by his real-life big sister, Frankie Castro, as the Fairy Godmother, while TV's Derren Nesbitt will appear as Baron Hardup. Book tickets on 8940 0088.

The Compass Theatre's panto, Little Red Riding Hood, is an Applause Productions presentation and runs from Boxing Day (December 26) until December 31. Call 01895 673200 to book.

The Harrow Arts Centre is also hosting The Snow Queen, a family participation musical, courtesy of Image Theatre from December 26 to 28. Tickets can be booked on 8428 0124.