A WORLD premiere run of the 'extraordinary' Fantastic Mr Fox is already well under way at Southampton's Nuffield Theatre.

And panto fever has now hit Winchester with the opening of Cinderella at Theatre Royal last night.

But, what other festive treats can theatre-goers look forward to enjoying in the area?

At Mayflower Theatre, Southampton...

SOAP royalty Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace lead the South Coast's biggest family pantomime this year.

Join the legendary Robin Hood as he tries to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion while he and his trusty band of Merry Men outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in a show packed full of comedy, action, adventure and plenty of glitz and glamour!

Get ready for a sheriff-busting, arrow-shooting, tights-wearing, hog-roasting pantomime extravaganza and book today for this unmissable treat for all the family!

The much-loved Eastenders pair, who play Kat and Alfie in the soap, head up a sensational cast in the Mayflower Theatre seasonal show, seen by over 55,000 theatregoers each Christmas.

Call 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk for tickets.

At Ferneham Hall, Fareham...

FROM the team behind last year's smash hit show Dick Whittington, join us for another spectacular pantomime full of music, laughter, amazing special effects and plenty of surprises. With swash-buckling Prince Valiant waiting in the wings, dreams really can come true …..

Side-splitting, heart-warming and rip-roaring at the very same time, Sleeping Beauty will add buckets of sparkle to your festive season. Throw on your reindeer jumper, get ready to booooo for the baddies and hold on to your Santa hat! It’s going to be a wild ride!

Sleeping Beauty runs from December 9 to 31.

Box office: 01329 231942 or visit fernehamhall.co.uk

At The Berry Theatre, Hedge End...

THIS Christmas Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company present The Little Red Hen, a witty production which will provide joyous family fun for all.

Running December 12 to 24, The Little Red Hen has been reimagined by Stuff and Nonsense, making it the perfect festive treat for all.

With no scary bits at all the very young will love it, with fantastic puppets children will be enchanted, and with a truly wonderful humour grown-ups will be laughing all the way home.

A chainsaw wielding chicken stars in this fabulously updated traditional tale… throw in a pig with an iPod, a rat with a mobile phone and a lazy cow with a fake tan. Poor hardworking Red Hen just wants to make her own bread but can’t get any of the other animals to get off their reclining sofas to help her.

Visit theberrytheatre.co.uk or call 023 8065 2333.

At The Point, Eastleigh...

LOST in a forest as dark and mysterious as the secrets it hides, a young boy starts on the path to find justice for the people of Sherwood. Rescued by a crew of misfits, can Robin find the courage to rise against their cruel oppressors and finally defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham?

From the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, Outlaw is a re-telling of the epic legend, bringing to life Robin Hood’s story like never before; the classic tale of truth, integrity and love unravels to give new meaning to the infamous name Robin Hood.

Performed by The Point Youth Theatre with bold storytelling, dynamic movement and live music, this rip-roaring, fast-paced adventure for the whole family will warm your heart this Christmas.

Outlaw: The Story of Robin Hood is in Eastleigh from December 19 to 24.

Box office: 023 8065 2333 or visit thepointeastleigh.co.uk