'Tis the season for men to dress as dames, women to dress as princes and audiences to shout themselves hoarse. Yes, the panto season is well under way. And no, I’m not going to write ‘Oh yes it is!’ Darn it, I just did.

Yorkshire’s biggest panto is Cinderella, at the Alhambra, a riot of 3D wizardry, magic tricks and slapstick stunts. And, of course, it just wouldn’t be complete without Bradford’s panto king Billy Pearce.

Billy plays Buttons, starring with former Emmerdale actress Hayley Tamaddon as Cinders, and Wayne Perry, star of Dalziel and Pascoe, as the Prince. This new production, created specially for the Alhambra, brings the enchanting fairytale to life with stunning visual effects that see Cinderella magically transported to the ball, via live horses, and later rescued in the enchanted forest.

“It’s a magical show,” says Hayley. “The 3D special effects are superb, audiences will be bowled over. I love working with Billy. He makes everyone feel at ease and he’s so well-loved here in Bradford.”

Cinderella runs at the Alhambra until February 1. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.

Cinders also makes an appearance at Victoria Hall in Saltaire this week, as youngsters from the New Community Arts Academy tread the boards in their version of the classic panto. The cast includes Windhill singer Chris Yates, who reached the boot camp stage of X Factor, and mother and daughter Janet and Emma Smith. Emma plays Cinderella, her mum is the Fairy Godmother and Chris is Buttons.

The academy, launched last year, provides performing arts training for local youngsters.

Spokesman Mick Snowden says: “We have about 60 children. They’re really excited about putting on a pantomime. There are some excellent young performers in this show.”

Cinderella runs at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, until Saturday. For tickets call (01274) 413704 or 618148.

There’s pirate fun at the Mart Theatre, Skipton, next week in Treasure Island, running from Monday to Wednesday. For tickets ring (01756) 709666. And at Cleckheaton Town Hall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves runs until next Monday. Ring (01484) 223200. Cinderella crops up again at Harrogate Theatre, running until January 11. The panto is bursting with spectacular scenery, sing-alongs, hissable villains and all the mayhem and magic you can expect from the theatre’s traditional family pantomime. For tickets ring (01423) 502116.

At the West Yorkshire Playhouse, family audiences can journey to Neverland with the boy who never grew up. The production of Peter Pan, running until January 31, is a faithful new version, with Peter and the Darling family whisked away on a swashbuckling adventure to the land of the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and dastardly Captain Hook.

Also at the Playhouse is The Snow Queen, the story of two best friends visited by the evil Snow Queen who steals one of the youngsters away to her icy palace. The other child, Gerda, sets out on an epic journey north to rescue him. Told through the eyes of Gerda’s grandmother, the show is a treat for young children.

They’re running until January 10. For tickets for both shows, ring (0113) 2137700.

Over at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax, Jack and the Beanstalk is running until Saturday, January 3. The theatre has been working with local artist Jane Gamble and schoolchildren to create ‘Jack’s Great Paint-in’, a beanstalk-themed work of art on show at the theatre. For panto tickets ring (01422) 351158.