CHRISTMAS may be drawing to a close but there is still time to catch pantomime favourites and fabulous shows over the next few weeks.

American star David Hasselhoff is continuing to perform to packed audiences in Cardiff's New Theatre’s pantomime Peter Pan which runs until January 8.

Visitors to the show will note that there are plenty of tongue in cheek references to Hasselhoff’s lengthy career including his TV hits KnightRider and Baywatch. “We don’t shy away from that in the show,” Hasselhoff tells Andy Howells, “we have the KnightRider car, we do a Baywatch scene and make jokes. These things are part of my life. People say “Why are you still putting on the Red Jacket? Why are you still playing Michael Knight?” and I say “Why Not?””

Hasselhoff's pantomime role, Hoff The Hook, adds further to Hasselhoff's growing portfolio of performances and allows him to have fun with the audience. “Hoff the Hook is a funny guy,” he says, “he’s self-indulgent, very sensitive, on his own (and) no-one understands him. It’s really fun to play because it’s a great challenge not to scare the kids too much but to let them know that I am the Hook.”

Meanwhile, Newport Riverfront's pantomime Cinderella runs until January 2 and has all the sharpness, fast and furious fun a theatre audience would expect from a seasoned family production.

The fairy-tale might be familiar but the production itself is contemporary combining music, dance, colour and essential panto magic including a magnificent horse and chariot to take Cinders to the ball.

Returning performers are Elin Llwyd who gives an an endearing portrayal of Cinderella and Richard Elis as Buttons, delivering jokes and raising smiles with appeal to young and old alike.

Caldicot born actor Lloyd Green is Prince Charming, gelling brilliantly as a romantic lead with Elin Llwyd’s Cinders, while Nic Gibney and Liam Tobin and their wicked stepmother Countess Grimallova, Julia Nagle. For ticket details visit newportlive.co.uk

Finally, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins continues at Wales Millennium Centre until January 14. “There’s so many parts of the show that are incredible,” says Mary Poppins actress Zizi Strallen, “Bert (played by Matt Lee) tap-dances on the ceiling and I fly over the audience. There’s also magic, special effects and beautiful performances by all the cast, there’s so much to come and see, it’s an incredible show.”

For more information visit www.wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464.