THE Emperor and the Nightingale by Neil Duffield, based on The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen is showing at Theatre by the Lake until January 14. This charming tale of China's young emperor Wu, who is kept a virtual prisoner in his palace by his scheming guardian and  told the world outside the Forbidden City is a dangerous place. But when Xiao, a young peasant girl, tells him about the enchanting song of the nightingale, it is too much for him to resist so they embark on an adventure, but Wu has an ulterior motive that could threaten the peace of the kingdom. Featuring exquisite puppetry, glorious music in an original score and all the spectacle of Chinese theatre. Times vary so check the website. www.theatrebythelake.com/

Tickets £30 - £10.

FESTIVE panto fun at the Manchester Opera House with classic story of Aladdin. Step into the cave of wonders and make all your wishes come true! The ultimate rags to riches tale is just bursting with comedy, and features Genies by the lamp-load, chart-topping songs, bags of family fun, audience participation, and - just maybe - a real flying carpet that will transport you to a magical and mystical foreign land. This dazzling show stars Benidorm's Sherrie Hewson as the Genie of the Ring and John Thomson (Cold Feet) who treads the boards as the evil Abanazar. Pop sensation Ben Adams (A1) takes the title role of Aladdin. Playing until January 8.

Ticket offers: Bands A & B - £19.50; Bands C, D & E £10.

JACK and the Beanstalk is a giant of a pantomime adventure, brought to the Rheged stage by Reamba Productions promises us spectacular scenery, stunning costumes and thigh-slapping comedy. You are invited to join Jack, as he goes on his quest to defeat the ogre Blunderbore who resides in the kingdom atop of the beanstalk. The show plays today (December 29, 11.30am & 2.30pm) and tomorrow (December 30, 11.30am & 2.30pm) at the Rheged Visitor Centre, Penrith. Box office 01768-868000.

Tickets: Adults £10; Children £8; Concessions £8; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £32.

TO MARK the centennial of the Battle of the Somme, Brockhole-on-Windermere is partnering with Cumbria's Museum of Military Life to present a new temporary exhibition entitled 'Voices from the Somme 1916-2016.' The World War One campaign had particularly large casualty figures which impacted dramatically on communities across the country. And, by moving the exhibition to the Central Lakes, it allows locals and visitors a chance to pay their respects to those who took part in the Somme offensive 100 years ago. The exhibition is on show until Saturday.

THE Grand Theatre, at Blackpool, will take you on a mystical adventure on Aladdin's magic carpet. Join our man-of-action, Aladdin, as he confronts evil Abanazar to overturn his duplicitous plot to snaffle the mysterious lamp and win the heart of the beautiful princess - oh, and aide his mother, Widow Twanky, to get her washing done, too! This dazzling panto is jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, bravery, love and a fabulous magic lamp. The panto stars CBeebies Barney Harwood and plays until January 8 (times vary). www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/

Adults: Band A £22.50/£16.50, Band B £22.50/£16.50, Band C £16.50.

Children: Band A £22.50/£16.50, Band B £20.50/£16.50, Band C £15.50

THE ever-popular Houghton Weavers are performing at the Coronation Hall, tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm). We can look forward to an evening of folk singing and light-hearted entertainment from this successful trio of musicians. Plus, the trio will perform songs from their latest album ‘Christmas in Lancashire’, which includes old favourites such as ‘Winter Wonderland, I Saw Three Ships and I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus.’ Formed in 1975 the weavers made their TV debut in BBCs talent show ‘We’ll Call You’. So successful were they that, within a couple of months, they were given their own show ‘Sit Thi Deawn’, which continued for six series. The group’s fan club ranges in age and stretches as far afield as the USA, Canada, Bahrain, Belgium, Australia and Germany. Their motto ‘Keep Folk Smiling’ will most definitely have that effect and more on the Ulverston audience as the year draws to its end.

Box office 01229-587140.

Tickets: Stalls  £10; balcony £12.50.