Families keen to catch the excitement of a pantomime this year will have a choice of three shows in Dublin city centre for the first time in several years.

The most established and longest running pantomime in the Gaiety Theatre is also the first to open, with Mother Goose flapping her wings from December 3rd. Mark O'Shaughnessy, who plays Mother Goose, promises to be "a straight-talking, street-wise Panto Dame". He is joined by actors, Kate Brennan, Grace Dunne, Doireann Ní Chorragain and panto baddie par excellence, Michael Grennell. Always renowned for its special effects, the Gaiety pantomime has enlisted the help of aerial stunt performer Toby Gomme this year.

The pantomime in Liberty Hall has become the main rival to the Gaiety and this year former Miss Ireland, Aoife Cogan will play Queen Victoria Bechingham in the Lyons Tea Panto Sleeping Beauty. A little more risqué and a lot more rauchy - mainly due to Joe Conlan's inimitable role as Buffy, this show also stars singer Hazel O'Connor in her panto debut and panto regulars, Alan Hughes and George McMahon.

Last but by no means least, the pantomime in the Olympia Theatre sees the return of June Rodgers to pantomime in Cinders (cast members above, taking a break at the RDS ice rink). Opening on December 26, this show, from the producers of last year's Bugsy Malone, has a cast of 110 children, with Rebecca Barry as Little Becky. ST