IT'S that time of the year again – oh no it isn't, oh yes it is!

Calling all dames, villains, princes and princesses, because pantomime season has arrived across the South Hams.

From Jack and the Beanstalk to Sinbad, young and old

are sure to be thoroughly ­entertained by these sparkling spectacles.

The age-old tradition of the panto is often credited to the Victorian era, although there are links that go as far back as ancient Rome.

However, it looks as if this ­tradition has no chance of dying anytime soon, with a variety of performances across the region.

The Malborough Amateur Dramatic Society is set to offer up its performance of Aladdin in what will be its 37th panto.

Directed by Jenny Wood and Jackie Plyer, with choreography from Beverly Adams and Clare Carter, the performance will tell the story of the famous street rat's quest.

The show will take place in Malborough Village Hall from Wednesday, January 21, to Saturday, January 24, at 7.30pm, with the addition of a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

The tickets prices start at £7 for adults, with all under-16 seats at £4. Tickets are available from the Kingsbridge Infor-mation Centre and Malborough post office.

The Malborough Amateur Dramatic Society is keen to recruit new adult members for its 2016 production – ­anyone interested should contact Jill Clarke on 01548 561825.

The Theatre Royal, Plymouth is telling the famous story of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Expect giant laughs, spectacular ­special effects, stunning ­costumes and lots of audience participation.

Last year's panto star Bobby Davro returns, along with John Challis, Chico and Jeffrey Holland to complete the superb cast.

With the performance running up until January 17, it's a case of fee-fi-fo-fum, come to the theatre and share some fun. Contact the box office on 01752 267222 for tickets.

The Princess Theatre, Torquay this year plays host to Sleeping Beauty.

Everyone likes a lie-in, but Sleeping Beauty takes it to a whole new level.

Cursed by an evil fairy, our ­eponymous heroine is doomed to ­slumber until she is awoken by true love's kiss. So set your alarm clocks for this year's fun-filled pantomime.

The show stars Emmerdale's Leah Bracknell, David Heath from The X Factor's Eton Road and Mark Jenkins from Channel 4's The Hotel, with Matt Dallen, Carly Nickson, David Sparkle and Helen Kent.

The performances run

until January 4 and tickets are available at http://www.atgtickets">www.atgtickets. com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay.

Finally, the Ermington Players are set to take on Spyfall – an adaption of Britain's favourite secret agent James Bond... with a twist.

Written by the players' Richard Knightley in his usual zany style, Spyfall recounts the adventures of Bond, James Bond, the super-secret agent who works for MI6.

Bond has made a huge ­blunder that has seen him thrown out of MI6. He now has to make his own way in the world. Can he do anything other than be a spy? Probably not – but he's prepared to have a go at anything.

Yet again, though, the world is on the edge of oblivion: can Bond save the day, or will he trip over his own feet?

Set among the deserts of Las Vegas, the Orient and the sands of Egypt, the pantomime take you through a roller-coaster adventure, with colourful scenes, singing and dancing and many, many laughs.

Performances are at 7.30pm on February 19, 20 and 21 at The Globe Theatre, Stonehouse.

Tickets are available online at http://www.ermingtonplayers.org.uk">www.ermingtonplayers.org.uk, or by calling 01548 830568.