THE classic fairy tale Beauty & the Beast is brought thrillingly to life in a stage adaptation by playwright Laurence Boswell. When Beauty's father hears that his long-lost ship packed with pearls has landed safely in harbour, he sets out on an arduous journey to claim his fortune, stumbling across a world of great riches, beguiling magic and a fearsome beast. But when he picks a rose as a present for his lovely daughter, little does he realise what he's unleashed. This enchanting Christmas Show is playing at Theatre by the Lake until January 12.

Box office 017687-74411.

Tickets from £10.

Photo: Robert Day

JACK and the Beanstalk is Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society's panto offering and this year like all the others BATS has performed, the usual mix of magic, mayhem, madness, silliness and some slapstick for good measure are promised. This giant of a show sees Jack ascend into a world beyond the clouds to rescue the beautiful Princess Demelza, and with the help of Simple Simon and the eco fairy, slay the evil ogre before he climbs down the enormous beanstalk. Other characters include Fleshcreep, Flunkit, Dame Trot and King Bertram. As with other productions, BATS' colourful costumes, exceptional backdrop, musicality, acting and audience participation are second to none. An unmissable show playing tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, then from January 9-12 (times vary), at The Bryce, Burneside.

Box office 07792-777213.

STORTH Entertainers' panto offering takes us to the quaint village of Won-Long-Poo for the adventures of Aladdin. This magic-carpet-ride of a show promises family fun including the chance to boo and hiss to your little hearts content, especially when baddie Abanazar appears on stage! Hopefully, we will witness the Genie of the Lamp help out poor old Widow Twanky with her washing and Aladdin to win the hand of Princess Jasmine. The panto is full of fun, laughs with a wee bit of innuendo thrown in for extra laughs! Performances from Wednesday (January 9) to January 12. Evening performances at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm, at Storth Village Hall.

For tickets and more information go to www.facebook.com/storthentertainers.

TO CELEBRATE the unveiling of the Cracker Packers sculpture near to the McVitie’s factory in Caldewgate, Carlisle, an exhibition, Spirit of the Cracker Packers, is showing at the Old Fire Station, and focuses on the people who inspired the sculpture’s creation.

Sharing the stories from the female workforce past and present, we hear through their memories about what life was really like working at the factory.

Hazel Reeves, an award-winning artist and an elected member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, has created the statue depicting two women McVitie’s factory workers.

Exhibition open Monday to Saturday (10am-5pm) and Sunday (noon-4pm).

A WINTER skills group course is on offer giving the opportunity to spend a day on Helvellyn with a Lake District National Park Authority fell top assessor, as they climb to the summit of the mountain to take snow and weather readings for the Lake District Weatherline Service. The assessor will guide you on a route up the mountain chosen according to snow and weather conditions and the ability of the group members. You will learn basic skills of snowcraft, as well as other skills relating to winter walking in the fells and mountains. The day will be hard, informative, challenging but also a lot of fun. Day courses take place every weekend in January plus four other dates, from Glenridding (8.30am). Booking is required. Go to www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

Price £100 (adults only).

KENDAL Midday Concert’s 2019 programme kicks-off with the Royal Northern Sinfonia Ensemble. Concert is being held on Wednesday (January 9, 1pm-2pm) at Kendal Town Hall. Music includes String Quintet No.1 in A major Op.18 Mendelssohn and String Quintet No.3 in E flat major Op.97 Dvořák.