Once you’ve caught the pantomime bug, it’s very hard to get rid of it. Many who grew up going to the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin every year are now bringing their children or even their grandchildren.

Whether you choose the traditional pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalkat the Gaiety, or its rivals at the Tivoli Theatre and more recently the Helix at Dublin City University – both showing Cinderellathis year – it's a festive spirits-boosting fun trip for everyone. Robin Hoodalso opens next week at the Olympia Theatre.

In Galway and Limerick, the pantomimes don't open until after Christmas but in Cork, Jack and the Beanstalkat the Opera House and Aladdinat the Everyman Palace Theatre are already drawing the crowds.

And in Belfast, Cinderellaat the Waterfront Hall and Aladdin at the Grand Opera House are well into their seasonal run. See listings for more details.