Large as life and loving a laugh are Amanda Barrie and Billy Pearce in this year's Alhambra panto. They are among stars appearing in family shows during the Christmas season around West Yorkshire.

Amanda, who played Alma in Coronation Street, plays the wicked queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Top comedian Billy Pearce returns to the Bradford theatre to play Muddles in the December 14-February 2 show. The traditional family show features performances most days in the afternoons, teatimes and evenings. Phone 01274 752000.

Paul Shane heads the cast of Peter Pan, this year's pantomime at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax. The former Hi De Hi star plays the sidekick to former Eastenders actor Ian Reddington as Captain Hook. Phone 01422 351158. Andrew Hayden-Smith, from children's TV drama Byker Grove, takes the title role of the December 18-January 5 show.

Peter Pan is also the panto at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, this time from January 8-19. Phone 0113 222 6222. The cast includes Alvin Stardust as Captain Hook, magician Martin Daniels as Smee, Gladiator "Jet" as Peter Pan and Stars in Their Eyes winner Ian Moor as Pirate Sharkie.

Michael Hobbs, from children's show Words and Pictures, makes his annual appearance at the Leeds City Varieties panto. Jack and the Beanstalk, staged from December 12-January 13, also features Susy Kane, Matthew Daines and Gordon Kane. Phone 0113 243 0808.

Maureen Nolan, one of the Nolan sisters, plays the title role in Aladdin and his Magic Lamp at Colne Mechanics. The January 4-20 panto also features local favourites George Crichley and Tim Pope. Phone 01282 661234.

Tickets for most of the shows are also on sale at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall.