Brute Farce Theatre Company brings its imaginative and comic version of the seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol, to the Brockley Jack Theatre.

The Dickens' story was adapted for the company by Katy Slater, writer of the Stage award-nominated Toast.

The production takes the usual Christmas clichs and turns them upside-down, presenting a Scrooge far removed from the cobwebbed old man of the original.

The production marks the reopening of the venue after refurbishment.

A Christmas Carol, Brockley Jack Theatre, Brockley Road, Lewisham, now-Jan 10, Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm, £9-£5, 020 8291 6354.

A traditional panto for all the family by Colin Wakefield and Kate Edgar, directed by Allan Deakin.

Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood, Beckenham Theatre Centre, Now - January 4, £7 - £5, 07905 744991.

THE New Eltham Methodist Church Players take to the boards for their 33rd pantomime in January with some cast members appearing for the 33rd time.

Back in the 60s a pantomime was staged to raise funds to buy replacement stage curtains but it proved so popular the group joined by members of other drama and operatic societies who use the Methodist Centre, in New Eltham has been going strong ever since.

This will be the third time the group has produced Cinderella but each time there is a new twist. This production features a mixture of traditional and modern songs, an original script and an enthusiastic cast who promise to provide a wonderful time for all.

Cinderella and the Thieving Magpie, New Eltham Methodist Church Players, Methodist Centre, Footscray Road, New Eltham, Jan 10 3pm & 7.30pm, Jan 16 8pm, Jan 17 3pm & 7.30pm, £5-£4, 020 8302 1342.

Edward Alderton Theatre's classic family pantomime follows the adventures of Aladdin, his magic lamp and a cast of larger-than-life characters as they make their way from Old Peking to Egypt and back again.

Aladdin tries to win the hand of the beautiful princess, So-Shi, and stumbles into danger as the evil Magician, Abanazer, tricks him into opening a cave reputed to be full of treasure, only to entomb Aladdin inside. In the depths of misery, Aladdin polishes a dirty, battered lamp which is lying on the cave floor and releases the Genie of the Lamp, who sets him free from the cave and promises to grant his every wish.

From here, things get hairy for Aladdin with Widow Twankey, the evil Abanazar, ghosts, mummies, flying palaces and a spectacular "slosh-hurling" laundry routine coming together to provide the perfect seasonal entertainment for all the family.

Aladdin, Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath, January 19 - 24 & January 27 - 31, £5, 020 8301 5584.

Cinderella a Tale for all Time, Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham, Jan 2-24, Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm, 5pm & 8pm, £8-£6, 020 8850 3702.

Puss in Boots, West Wickham Pantomime Society, Wickham Hall, Sussex Road, West Wickham, Jan 9-17, 7.45pm, Sat mat 1.45pm, £6-£5, 020 8777 9349.