IT'S NEVER too late to enjoy the fun of the pantomime and venues across the area have a variety of delights to offer.

This year's sensational production at Swansea's Grand Theatre is of one of the all-time favourites - Aladdin.

Abanazar, played by award-winning actor Mark Little, is known around the world for his role as Joe Mangle in the long-running Australian soap, Neighbours.

Wales' own Mike Doyle is back at the theatre this year in the role of the hilarious Wishee Washee and donning a dress to play his stage mother, is Swansea's Kevin Johns as Widow Twankey.

It runs at the Swansea Grand Theatre until January 14. For more information call 01792 475715.

l Closer to home at Pontardawe Arts Centre, Keith Ivett leads the fun in Jack and the Beanstalk, the Swansea Valley's community pantomime.

Hundreds auditioned for parts in the production, directed by Brian Sullivan, and nine out of the 10 principals have been cast within the borough of Neath Port Talbot.

Jack is played by 15-year-old Michael Rees and the principal girl is Stephanie Hughes. It runs from Sunday to the following Saturday and tickets are available on 01792 863722.

l Carmarthenshire Theatres are getting into the Christmas spirit (oh yes they are!) with a whole season of pantomimes.

Peter Pan makes a flying visit to Carmarthen's Lyric Theatre from January 5-8, courtesy of The Owen Money Theatre Company. The BBC Wales star, recently dubbed the funniest stand-up comedian in Wales, will be producing and directing this classic adventure.

It stars David Rhys-Morris as The Boy Who Never Grew Up, Richard Tunley as Captain Hook and Mr Darling and Llinos Thomas as Wendy. Keen to utilise local talent, the theatre company have invited local dance groups to join the cast during their tour of Welsh venues and completing the line-up for their stint at The Lyric will be dancers from Carmarthen's Steps Dance School.

l Rounding off their 25th anniversary season in style, The Academy Theatre Company presents Cinderella at Llanelli's Theatr Elli on January 13 and 16-20.

See Fairy Crystal transform poor, downtrodden Cinderella into the mysterious belle of the ball, much to the amazement of her ugly stepsisters, in this heart-warming rags-to-riches tale.

l And there's going to be a whole host of trouble from January 24 - February 3 as Jack And The Beanstalk takes up residence in Theatr Elli. Local legend Denny Twp stars in Nigel Ellacott's tale of naughty Jack's escapades in the land of giants.

Tickets for all these productions are going like hot cakes! Call 0845 226 3508/09/10 to book your seats.