Christmas is coming, and so's the Panto season! Theatrenow looks at a selection of London pantomimes...

Dick Whittington: What could be more of a London show than this legendary tale of the poor boy (and his cat) who turned again, just as he was leaving the City in despair, and became three times Lord Mayor of London.

A classic Panto story, Dick Whittington is being performed at Wimbledon Theatre, from Dec. 13 to Jan. 19.

For further details, phone 020 8540 0362 or check the Wimbledon Theatre website: www.wimbledontheatre.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk: Another classic Panto based on the fairy tale of a boy who sells his family's last cow for some magic beans. These turn into a huge beanstalk that he climbs, reaching a land ruled by a bloodthirsty giant. Fortunately Jack kills the giant and saves the day.

Jack and the Beanstalk is playing at the Shaw Theatre in Euston Road. For further details, please phone 0870 730 1180 or check their website: www.shawtheatre.com.

Another production of Jack and the Beanstalk is also running this Christmas (Nov. 30 to Jan. 5) at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. For details, phone 020 8534 0310 or check the website at www.stratfordeast.org.uk.

Romeo and Juliet - The Panto: First a musical (at the Piccadilly Theatre), now a Panto! There's obviously something about Romeo and Juliet at the moment. This seasonal version of the great Shakespearean love story is given a light-hearted make-over (and a happy ending) at the Pleasance Theatre from Dec. 10-30.

For further details, contact the Pleasance on 020 7609 1800 or visit their website: www.pleasance.co.uk.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: Greenwich Theatre is hosting this exotic Panto, based on the Middle Eastern fairytale of Ali Baba. Running from Dec. 9 to Jan. 11, this is a modern take on an ancient story, and is billed as "The Baghdad Panto."

For more details, phone Greenwich Theatre on 020 8858 7755 or visit the website at www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow