NO-ONE does panto quite like Glasgow.

The city has the best Christmas shows in the country, thanks to a wealth of writing, acting and backstage talent.

This year’s collection includes the classics, so look out for wicked witches, sleeping princesses and scary giants – and some contemporary twists, including a very Glasgow take on Wonderland and a Cinders sequel.

Look out for some big names too – Queen of Panto Elaine C Smith is back in the city after a few years’ absence, while Greg McHugh, aka Gary, Tank Commander is making his festive show debut in town too.

Tickets are already flying out the doors faster than Aladdin’s magic carpet, so don’t dilly dally, get booking now.

Here’s our round up of all the best Christmas shows in the west of Scotland.

THE BIG GLASGOW FIVE

Sleeping Beauty, The King’s, Bath Street. Runs from December 2 to January 7.

Elaine C Smith returns, magic wand aloft, to sprinkle festive joy as Fairy Bella Houston in this traditional tale for all the family. Johnny Mac makes his King’s debut as silly sidekick Muddles.

The Wizard of Never Woz, The Pavilion, Renfield Street. Runs from November 30 to January 14.

Dean Park, Joyce Falconer and Stephen Purdon star in the surprising tale of Dorothy’s other journey - from sunny Glasgow to the Land of Never Woz.

Alice in Weegieland, The Tron, Trongate. Runs from December 1 to January 7. Follow Alice ‘doon the stank’ to the weird and fantastical Weegieland populated by magical talking creatures and a power-hungry queen with a penchant for jam tarts (the cake, not the football team).

Jack and the Beanstalk, SEC Armadillo. Runs from December 16 to January 7. Greg McHugh, aka Gary Tank Commander stars as Jack’s hapless brother in this hi-tech 3D extravaganza.

Cinderella, Citizens Theatre, Gorbals. Runs from November 28 to December 31. A delightful alternative to the classic tale, done in the Citizens inimitable style.

THE REST OF GLASGOW

Cinderella 2: I Married A Numpty, Oran Mor, Byres Road. Runs from November 27 to December 30. Talking of twists on the tale, this sequel to the classic finds Cinders a little disappointed by how things turned out after THAT midnight escapade. An hour of sublime seasonal silliness, non-pc pantomonium, sassy songs and badass buffonery.

Ricky McWhittington, Platform, Easterhouse. Runs from December 19 to 23. In this traditional Glasgow panto by Alan McHugh and presented by Glasgow Life, Senga McWhittington’s Sweetie Shop in downtown Glasgow is over-run by a swarm of rats, led by the villainous verminous Queen Rat. Can hero Ricky McWhittington save the day?

Jackie and the Baked Bean Stock, Webster’s Theatre, Great Western Road. Runs from November 30 to December 31. A giant of a family pantomime with all the banter, bouncing beats and a first class professional cast needed for fantastic festive fun.

OUTSIDE GLASGOW, BUT NOT TOO FAR AWAY

Snow White and the Seven Wee Muppets, Eastwood Theatre, Giffnock. Runs from December 18 to 30. Who needs a mirror, when you have Siri? Modern twists and brilliant local talent combine in this tale of wicked witches, wronged heroines and, er, muppets...

Cinderella, Gaiety Theatre, Ayr. Runs from November 28 to January 3. River City star Leah Macrae stars as the Fairy Godmother in the classic rags to riches story.

Dick Whittington, Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock. Runs from November 25 to December 30. In the only pantomime to be based on a real life character, fact fans, this is the story of a young man who travels to London to seek his fortune. Will he fulfil his dream and marry the woman he loves? Not if King Rat has anything to do with it...

Jack and the Beanstalk, Motherwell Theatre. Runs from November 17 to January 7. Local legend, comedy actor Ian Sheepie Smith stars in this hilarious version of the traditional story.

A Christmas Carol, Cumbernauld Theatre. Runs from November 30 to December 24. A retelling of an old tale, with magic, mayhem and one of the finest characters ever created - Scrooge!

Beauty and the Beast, Village Theatre, East Kilbride. Runs from November 21 to 25. Top class panto fun from EK Rep, with lots of laughs, fantastic costumes and eye catching sets.

Snow White, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock. Wicked humour and family fun, including a special guest appearance on video by CBeebies’ megastar Justin Fletcher as the Magic Mirror.

ESPECIALLY FOR THE LITTLE ONES

Tinsel Toon, Tron Theatre, Trongate. Runs from December 1 to 30. (Suitable for three to six-year-olds.) Everyone gets along just fine in Tinsel Toon - but this year, a strange chill wind is blowing through the town, and neighbours suddenly become less neighbourly and preparations for the Christmas festivities are tinged with more than a little bit of frost. What’s happening this Christmas in Tinsel Toon? Find out in a charming story suitable for young children and their families.

Rudolf, Platform, Easterhouse. Runs from December 5 to 17. (Suitable for aged three plus). It’s Christmas, but it’s hard to celebrate with no cards, tree, presents or food. If only Esmerelda the chicken would agree to laying an egg…but Esmerelda just won’t be persuaded, unless she hears her favourite story – Rudolf. A little gem, at 50 minutes long, suitable for all the family.