Who's treading the boards this week.

THE panto season is well and truly underway, so get ready to hiss, boo and shout 'he's behind you'.

Jack and the Beanstalk opens at The Anvil in Basingstoke on Thursday, December 16.

The panto, written by Chris Jarvis of Cbeebies fame, and stars Anne Charleston (Madge from Neighbours) and Anna Wiliamson from CITV.

The panto tells the tale of Jack Trot and his amazing adventure with Giant Blunderbore and his wicked henchman Fleshcreep. It runs until January 9.

Tickets: from £14.50. Box office: 01256 844244.

JUST to confuse you, another version of Jack and the Beanstalk also opens this week.

Bournemouth Pavilion theatre's panto opens on Saturday, December 11 and runs until January 9. To make things even more confusing, this one stars Chris Jarvis from Cbeebies.

Chris Ellison from The Bill and Burnside stars as Fleshcreep.

Tickets: from £11.50. Box office: 0870 1113000.

AND there's yet another version of Jack and the Beanstalk on this week at Salisbury Playhouse. This time there are no big names in the show - the Playhouse relies on its reputation for putting on fine performances instead. Their panto runs until January 15.

Tickets: from £9. Box office: 01722 320117.

THE Theatre Royal Winchester's wonderful new version of Puss in Boots runs until January 3.

Tom, the miller's son, is poor and his prospects look bleak. But luckily for him his pet cat has other ideas and, having equipped himself with a snazzy pair of new boots, sets out to make his masters fortune.

Tickets: £12.50. Box office: 01962 840440.

EVERYONE'S favourite seasonal story is being brought to life at Havant Arts Centre this week.

A Christmas Carol runs at the theatre until December 18, telling the tale of the miserly Scrooge who lives nothing but money.

This magical production of Charles Dickens' famous story, adapted for the stage by John Mortimer, is the perfect way to begin your Christmas.

This is a family show but is not recommended for children under eight.

Tickets: £8. Box office: 023 9247 2700.

IF PANTOS aren't your thing, the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth has a Christmas show which offers something different.

The Firebird is based on a Russian folk tale and follows the thrilling adventure of Prince Ivan as he searches the world trying to find the Firebird, which he lost, and then steal it from the wicked witch Baba Yaga.

Along the way he meets some delightful characters including the Wise Wolf, beautiful Princess Vasilisa and the evil Koshei.

The show runs from Tuesday, December 14 to New Year's Day.

Tickets: from £9.50. Box office: 023 9264 9000.

EASTENDERS star Dean Gaffney is taking centre stage at The Kings Theatre, Southsea, in their pantomime, Aladdin. The panto, which opens on Friday, December 10 and runs until January 2, co-stars Syd Little as the Emperor of China.

Tickets: from £10.50. Box office: 023 9285 2228.