With Christmas now well on its way, panto season is also fast approaching.

If you’re after a laugh, then there won’t be many better options than a trip to Witham Public Hall this December to watch the Essex Group’s retelling of Mother Goose.

The slapstick filled classic was the first pantomime to be produced by famous Victorian clown Grimaldi and features popular nursery rhyme characters such as Humpty Dumpty and the Three Little Pigs.

Actors will be tasked with cracking more than 200 one-liners, and the show will get the audience singing along as well as chuckling at its jokes.

Mother Goose is being performed at Witham Public Hall, in Collingwood Road, on December 21, 22, 23, 24, 27 and 28.

Tickets prices start from £12, with concessions and family tickets available.

Visit withampublichall.co.uk.

Rehearsals are also now in full swing for Kelvedon Player’s retelling of classic Jack and the Beanstalk.

Written by Peter Denyer and directed by Charlotte French, the tale follows hapless Jack and mother Dame Trott who have not a bean to their name.

The duo’s beloved Daisy the Wondercow has been cow-napped, and worse still there is an evil giant demanding gold and threatening to eat the king.

Jack will be tasked with saving the day and rescuing Daisy as well as love interest Jill.

The story has become one of the world’s favourite fairytales and this traditional panto is sure to keep audience members of all ages on the edge of their seats.

Jack and the Beanstalk is being performed at Kelvedon Institute on January 26, 27 and 28, and on February 2 and 3.

There are both matinee and evening performances.

Tickets cost between £6 and £8 and go on sale on January 2.

For more information or to book tickets, visit kelvedonplayers.co.uk.