OH YES it has! The festive season really has begun in Winchester as this year's panto is in full swing.
Cinderella, produced by arts and education charity Play to the Crowd, is running at the Theatre Royal in Jewry Street until Monday, January 1.
And the show really is packed full of laughs, corny gags and wholesome family fun.
The story follows a traditional telling of Cinderella, with Millicent Blair playing Cinderella, and Max Mirza playing Prince Charming.
Theatre Royal panto stalwart Julian Eardley is back as the dame - or should we say Fair Godmother - and the lovable Ed Thorpe, returns as Buttons, after taking last year off.
There's lots of audience interaction, and the Wicked Step-sisters and Wicked Stepmother/Baroness make for excellent villains, not too scary for the little ones, but awful enough to prompt their fair share of boos - or booze according to the stepmother, who is not without a glass in her hand.
Dandini, played by Thom Tuck, is the Prince's aide, who equally brings laughs and humour to the show.
The great thing about the Theatre Royal panto is that all the actors are genuinely good at what they do, there are no washed-up soap stars here.
The show is genuinely funny, the performance is great and the scenes and costumes are bright and brilliant.
The pantomime is produced by the same team who behind last year’s record-breaking Wizard of Oz, as well as Beauty and the Beast and Dick Whittington – the award-nominated pairing of writer, director and lyricist James Barry, with music by Simon Slater.
This year’s pantomime is supported by Play to the Crowd’s Corporate Partner, regional law firm, Paris Smith.
If you are looking for a way to celebrate Christmas with your family, then you can't go far wrong with the Theatre Royal panto. It's great for all ages, and everybody is guaranteed to leave with a smile on their face, and a few funny memories (Buttons in his silver pants for me) to keep them chuckling into 2024.
Cinderella will be at Theatre Royal Winchester until Monday, January 1, at various times. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here