Hi folks, once again I bring you a round up of shows and pantos that are taking place around the Lakes. Family activities are always slow following the Yuletide break and some venues are closed until March/April time. So, my advice is to take the family to the theatre and embrace your inner child ... Enjoy!

The Lakes Players come up trumps yet again with their New Year's panto offering, and this time it is Mother Goose. Stuffed full of dazzling mapcap fun, the show tells the tale of a poor lonely Dame and her son who find fortune in their pet goose Priscilla. However, evil Queen Toffeenose steals Mother Goose's bird and it takes some quick-witted action and guile to win her back. The show features impressive dance sequences by student movers and shakers of Ambleside's Miss Maria School of Dance. It also features a magical flying goose. The panto takes place from Wednesday (January 25) until Sunday (January 29). Evening performances 7pm, with an added Saturday matinee at 1pm. One performance only on Sunday at 1pm.

Box office 07801-732140 or 015394-88925

Tickets: Adults £10; children/concessions £7.50.

Pictured: Anthony Dean plays Squire Squeezem with Jill played by Rachel Woods.

RADIO and television presenter, musician, writer, friend of the stars and all round cheese fettishist, Mark Radcliffe, has been making a little go a long way for several decades now. This show is no exception, expect songs and stories of middle aged angst and ennui along with tales of ineptitude and encounters with some of music's most famous names who Mark has on speed dial. Mark is on stage at The Brewery tomorrow (Friday, 8pm).

Box office 01539-725133.

Tickets £15.

ULVERSTON Pantomime Society presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears, based on the traditional children’s story, join Goldilocks on her adventure as she stumbles across the three bears’ home only to find mummy bear, daddy bear and baby bear. Playing from Wednesday to Saturday (January 25-28, 7pm). Saturday matinee 2pm, at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston.

Box office 01229-587140.

Tickets: Adults £12; children £10; family £40 (2 adults, 2 children)

OPERA Up Close presents a new English version of Bizet's wildly popular opera Carmen. Our heroine, Carmen, captivates and provokes, disturbing the composure of everyone she encounters, including José, who, unable to control her - the woman he loves with a passion - descends into violence. But Carmen will not give up her freedom for anyone. This tantalising new production takes place in a torrid South American landscape of dust and concrete, where small-town boredom and machismo can turn nasty. Playing on Tuesday (7.30pm), at The Grand.

Box office 01524-64695.

Tickets £18, £20.

THE English Lakes Touring Co. along with theCompany presents The Sunshine Boys. The story tells of two old guys - famous vaudeville duo Lewis and Clark who worked together for 43 years but couldn't stand each other. They haven't been in touch since Lewis walked out on their final show 11 years ago. The attempt to get the obstinate duo back together one last time for a TV special makes for one of the great comedies by the American writer, Neil Simon.

This time the play can be seen at the Staveley Roundhouse from tonight (Thursday) to Saturday (7.30pm).

Box office 015395-61076.

Tickets: £13.20.

AMERICAN roots duo Compton & Newberry performs traditional songs, instrumentals and original tunes, on Wednesday (January 25, 7.30pm), at the Fellside Centre, Kendal. The duo are acclaimed as two of the finest artists on the bluegrass and Americana scene. Celebrated mandolinist Mike Compton took up the instrument as a teenager and was heavily influenced by ‘father of bluegrass’ Bill Monroe. Talented banjo player Joe Newberry is also a prizewinning guitarist, singer and songwriter. He was a guest star on the UKs popular Transatlantic Sessions live tour during 2016, and his award-winning songs have been recorded by artists including The Gibson Brothers and Ricky Skaggs.

Box office 07914-449252