Thornton Little Theatre

Amateur dramatics at their finest, Thornton Little Theatre has been putting on productions in this corner of Lancashire for decades. The small venue, just outside Fleetwood, might not look like much from the street, but inside you'll find proper theatrical magic happening most weekends throughout the year.

Local drama groups stage everything from Agatha Christie mysteries to Christmas pantomimes, with the odd musical thrown in for good measure. The intimate setting means there isn't a bad seat in the house - though that also means if someone's mobile goes off, everyone will know about it.

Families will love the Christmas shows, which are wonderfully cheesy affairs with plenty of audience participation. Drama enthusiasts will appreciate the commitment of the volunteer cast and crew, even if the scenery occasionally wobbles during scene changes.

Tickets are refreshingly affordable compared to West End prices, and there's usually a proper interval with tea and biscuits. Check their programme before visiting as shows tend to run for just a few nights.

If you're staying at Haven Cala Gran or any of the other nearby parks around Fleetwood, it makes for a lovely evening out that doesn't require a long drive. Just don't expect Broadway production values - the charm here lies in supporting local talent doing what they love.