DECEMBER'S here and with it arrives that age-old ritual involving laughter, goodwill and people living happily with one another.

No, not Christmas pantos.

Yet again, fans of the ridiculous can indulge themselves as a host of shows including Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk start for the festive season.

Cinderella fans will be spoiled for choice this year as the Cheltenham Everyman and Malvern Theatres offer the favourite. With some very ugly sisters, great costumes and even Shetland ponies in Malvern's production, a night of laughter is promised for all.

But in true festive spirit, neither of the theatres believes having the same show is going to be a problem.

Alison Goodwin, from Malvern Theatres, and Penny Peters, from The Everyman, said both productions would be excellent entertainment which would be enjoyed by all who saw them.

Worcester's Swan Theatre hopes to woo audiences with Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol.

Jenny Stephens, who directs the play, said she was confident audiences would enjoy the production ghosts and all.

The cast is made up of actors and musicians, which means the music is live, she said.

Youngsters seem to love the ghosts, and, with a number of special effects, the show very striking.

Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre is offering lots of Christmas sparkle and glitz for its performance of Dick Whittington, which Alexa Collocot, from the theatre, said would be a "very traditional show".

Hereford's Courtyard will be tackling the giants with its performance of Jack and Beanstalk after last year's sell out production of Beauty and the Beast. The breathtaking special effects mean Jack will be reaching new heights.

Last, but by no means least, the Wolverhampton Grand hopes to knock audiences out with its production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with boxing ace Frank Bruno.