IT'S panto time! Oh, yes it is!
Apologies for that annual cliche – but then it wouldn't be a panto without hearing it, and it wouldn't be Christmas without pantos!
And while the word may derive from the Greek pantomimos, we do claim the annual theatrical show as a very British tradition.
Well, we have been staging them since the early 1700s!
The question is whether they still have a role to play in the 21st century.
And we would say they definitely do.
Great family entertainment, it wouldn't be the Christmas season for some families without a trip to the panto.
They are a great way to introduce young children to stage entertainment, too – after all, booing and hissing the nasty characters and cheering on the goodies is part and parcel of this interactive entertainment.
Yes, in these times of austerity, affording a family trip can be costly, but some would rather go without an extra present or two to continue this festive tradition.
And don't forget the smaller, local theatrical groups that also stage pantos – there is a wealth of amateur dramatical talent in our area, with many staging their own fun-filled productions.
As well as the message of Christmas, it is a time when we look to spend time with our families – so why not do that. Oh, yes, you should!