Taking its inspiration from the Middle East tale called One Thousand and One Nights, Aladdin is the UK’s most popular panto. Audiences are taken on a fantasy carpet ride where the genie in a lamp awaits to grant Aladdin his wishes.

The pantomime production of Aladdin has been attracting audiences for more than two centuries and is more attended than any other panto, being the UK’s ultimate favourite festive show.

Coming in a close second is Cinderella, the beloved rags to riches story that sees the young Cindy attending the ball thanks to some help of her fairy godmother. For more information on a Pantomime Preston, visit a site like Lancashire Life, full of local news and Pantomime Preston info.

The Top 10 Pantos in the UK are:

Aladdin

Cinderella

Jack and the Beanstalk

Dick Whittington

Beauty and the Beast

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Peter Pan

Robin Hood

Wizard of Oz

When it comes to Christmas panto, we certainly do not stray too far from our classic favourites. Families will get together across the country to visit their local theatre and although a lot of these shows have been running for more than a hundred years, it remains the case that families still want a good classic fairy tale!

Some panto facts:

Pantos make up more than half (51%) of all Christmas events

The price average for panto tickets is £ 9.55

Aladdin and Cinderella are performed each a whopping 141 times every season!