THE Christmas pantomime season swings into action this weekend.

Here is a quick overview of what's on offer in Dorset...

1. Dick Whittington opened at Lighthouse Poole yesterday and runs until December 31.

Popular children’s TV presenter Chris Jarvis stars in this year’s feel-good family pantomime, joined by Richard Gibson, Katie Arundell, Dereck Walker, Sammy Phillips and their supporting cast of dancers and talented local children.

Follow Dick and his acrobatic cat as they go on a journey to find fame and fortune. Tickets: £19.75. To book call 01202 280000 or online at lighthousepoole.co.uk.

2. Sleeping Beauty opens today at Bournemouth Pavilion starring Jennifer Ellison (08-12/12) and Rita Simons (14/12 – 06/01) as the wicked fairy Carabosse, joined by Olivia Birchenough, Noel Brodie, Sarah-Jane Buckley and David Ball, this production of twill definitely not make you sleepy. If you are looking for fun, music and dance routines, this is the panto for you. Runs until

until Sunday, January 6, 2019. Tickets: from £19.50. To book call 08445763000 or online at visitbhlivetickets.co.uk.

3. Cinderella gets a modern twist for a New Year production by the Highcliffe Charity Players at the Regent Centre, Christchurch.

Follow Charlotte Starr as Cinderella, Matt Jenkins as the Prince, the ugly sisters Pete Whitaker and Mike Young, and Jade Morrell as the Fairy Godmother. Runs from Saturday, January 19 until Saturday, January 26, 2019. Tickets: £12.50. To book visit regentcentre.co.uk.

4. Another Cinderella panto will be taking place at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne from Friday 21 December to Sunday 6 January. Starring Lexi Pilgrim, Simon Hollosi, Brandon Nicholson, Luke Attwood and Tony Rudd. Tickets: £16.50. To book visit tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

5. The Nutcracker, a Pantomime! A Christmas favourite is coming to life, combining the beauty of the original story and the over the top traits of your traditional panto, giving you every reason to laugh and have a good time.

The Nutcracker will be on at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre from Wednesday 23rd January to Saturday 2nd February. Tickets: £6.50-£12.50. To book call 01747 854321 or visit shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk