It's not just panto that's popping up this time of year - venues across Kent are staging a range of festive stage frolics to enjoy.

We've picked some to settle down to this Christmas.

The Prince and the Pauper, Tunbridge Wells

As King Henry VIII lays on his death bed, his son Edward is reluctant to face the trials of kingship whilst in Pudding Lane, an impoverished Tom Canty dreams of a better life. A chance encounter between the two reveals that they look almost identical. Let the farce begin.

Jemma Kennedy’s adaptation brings Mark Twain’s classic story storming into magical multicolour life - a Tudor journey that revels in the merriest of music and bursts into life on our stage in full fantastical vibrancy, at the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells.

Artistic director Sean Turner said: “After the last couple of years, I wanted to make a family Christmas show that is full of laughter, adventure and wonderful music to bring us all back together in the best way I know how – joyful theatre.”

The show is at the Trinity Theatre from Wednesday, December 8 to Sunday, January 2, 2022. Book tickets by clicking here.

The Three Scrooges, Tunbridge Wells

Hosted in the Grand Pavilion marquee, in the grounds of The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells, The Three Scrooges is a fast-paced, hilarious and heartfelt immersive dining and theatre production of the all-time classic, A Christmas Carol, where the audience gets to decide who plays Scrooge.

During the evening, as the performance unfolds, you can feast on a three course Christmas dinner, designed by local chef Scott Goss.

The show is staged by GOOMS (Get Out Of My Space), and runs until Sunday, December 19. Tickets, including dinner, cost from £55. Book by clicking here.

The Gingerbread Man, Bromley

Award winning show creators Knuckle and Joint bring their first Christmas Studio show to the Churchill Theatre, Bromley this weekend.

The Gingerbread Man, which runs from Saturday, December 11 to Thursday, December 23, is directed by Marcus Roche and stars Heidi Goldsmith and Bill Uden as the Royal Bakers alongside a large cup of spellbinding puppetry and a spoonful of original music.

It’s Christmas Eve and two Royal Bakers are making the perfect Gingerbread Man for the new Royal Baby’s first Christmas. However, the recipe goes sideways and The Gingerbread Man is soon whisking up trouble. The show is suitable for young children. Book by clicking here.

Little Fox’s Christmas Garden, Chatham

Icon Theatre, Loop Dance Company and Play On Words Theatre bring their immersive production for three to six-year-olds to the Brook Theatre in Chatham through to Christmas Eve.

The fun festive show joins Little and Big Fox on a journey through magical landscapes, meeting larger-than-life characters, and packs in plenty of dance, songs, games - and even some snow. For tickets click here or call 01634 338338.

Christmas Tidings, Penshurst

A storytelling experience rounded off with a visit to Santa, Christmas Tidings, is being staged in the historic Baron's Hall at Penshurst Place in the run-up to Christmas.

The North Pole is the setting for the interactive and engaging session with Tidings the elf and Father Christmas. Tidings needs to solve several very tricky magic riddles to unlock the answer of how to protect Christmas before time runs out. Santa is relying on him and his team of Penshurst Place helpers. There will be five sessions a day at until Wednesday, December 22, though the showings with tickets left are on Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21 Tickets are £6 per person. Book here.

The Christmas Goblin, Marlowe Theatre

A musical adventure of irresistible songs, glitter ball costumes and heartfelt festive cheer comes to the Canterbury theatre by acclaimed gig theatre-makers Brigitte Aphrodite & Quiet Boy from Thursday, December 16 to Wednesday, December 29.

The adventure, commissioned by the Marlowe, sees 11-year-old Daphne embark on an other-worldly musical tale. Every performance is chilled, so they are a more casual theatre-going experience. The show is suitable for ages five and over. Book here.