PANTOMIME season is upon us and Tweed Theatre is making its final preparations ahead of its performance of Aladdin.

Marking the first big panto cast for the group since the pandemic, Aladdin will feature more than 30 young people, and a few adults, who have all been singing, dancing and practising hard ahead of next month's shows.

This year's cohort of actors have been working together twice each week since May, following the Prepare for Panto course.

Aladdin, a firm family favourite, will feature the usual panto suspects – evil Abanazar, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and, of course, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie of the Lamp and the Genie of the Ring.

A spokesperson from Tweed Theatre said: "In true panto fashion, the locations are odd, to say the least, with the cast travelling from China to Egypt and back – some in a hot air balloon while others have to walk (a journey that would take several months on foot is achieved in the blink of an eye)!

"Costumes range from the weird (a panda dressed as Easyjet cabin crew) to the wonderful and Tweed Theatre would like to thank Oldham Coliseum for their generous donation of some opulent costumes for the principal actors.

"There are some great musical numbers too – tunes that the audience will know and be able to sing along with plus some special effects of course.

"Look out for smoke and snow at different times during the show and don’t forget to cheer the goodies and boo the baddie!"

Local businesses and grant schemes which have supported this year's pantomime include: Brown Brothers, Stobo, Dunnabie Fine Foods, MK Pet Foods and DR Collin plus Tesco, the National Lottery Community Fund and Magic Little Grants.

Aladdin will be performed at the Eastgate Theatre from December 7-9 at 7.30pm, with matinees on December 8 and 9 at 3pm.

Tickets are still available and can be bought from the Eastgate Box Office, on their website or by calling 01721 725777.

Adult tickets are £12, concessions are £10, and children are £8.

The spokesperson added: "We really look forward to seeing you, hearing you sing and clap along with the music. Your participation makes it all worth while – enjoy the show!"