With Christmas comes panto season, and for first time visitors, it can be a shock from your usual trip to the theatre. Scrap the quiet stage, the classic show and sitting in silence. A Christmas panto is probably the noisiest, rowdiest style of live theatre you can attend and it's for the whole family. So what can you expect for your ticket? Panto is all about lights, camera, and non-stop action. The show usually comprises of two parts, with a total of two hours. With an intermission, audience participation and a singalong songboard at the end, you’re as much a part of the action as the cast on stage! Live Audience Prepare to be part of the action. From stage members calling on your help, to guidance for the plot and the infamous “Oh no he didn’t, oh yes he did!” There’s no such thing as sitting back. You’re there and you better be ready to shout and clap from your seat! (Even Ryan gets in on the act...) Jazz Hands There are some serious dance routines about to break out, and usually in tune to some of the biggest hits from the year. If you, or a little one you’ve brought along, love to shake it off, prepare to jump in and dance in the aisles. No-one will judge you… (you may be photographed though!) Men Are Dragged Into Centre Stage Panto first-timers always struggle to understand this one. Yes, there are women who are happy to play the dame, but that wouldn’t be half as much fun. Expect to see some bristles through the make-up, a hoop skirt put to good use and some crude, but hilarious puns shouted out in a quivery ‘ladylike’ voice. There’s ALWAYS A Love Story A love as pure as any Disney princess and her beau, prepare to be as invested in this couple hooking-up as you are in bagging your own Christmas cracker. You’ll be willing to jump on stage and take down anyone who tries to stand in the way… With One Hell Of A Baddie… You’re going to hiss, boo and hate this villain as much as the scrooge who told you the ‘truth’ about Santa. Encore Now you’re in the depths of panto fever, prepare to sing-along with each tune and recreate the dances. There’s no better way to hear the classic fairytales than with a live stage and singing cast. If you love your first show, you’ll be a convert!