PANTO fever is gripping East Lancashire and today it’s Darwen Library Theatre’s turn to reveal the festive fun which will delight audiences young and old in the run up to Christmas.

Aladdin begins a two-week run at the venue which continues until Christmas Eve.

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A number of familiar faces will be making a welcome return for the show produced by East Lancashire’s own ‘Mr Panto’ George Critchley and his PMA Productions company.

“I delighted that we are able to welcome back some of the actors who have been with us in Darwen at Christmas in the past,” said George.

“We have a great cast and Aladdin is probably one of the most popular pantos of them all.

“There’s plenty of audience participation and it’s a show for the whole family.”

Returning to Darwen are Scott Worsfold and Will Cousins who play Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee.

“It’s great working with Scott again,” said Will. “We really got on when we did Sleeping Beauty last year and we’ll be able to spark off each other. Anyway he’s my mum, we have to ge on!”

Fiona Egan will play the chief baddie Abanazer but in a twist, she will be playing it as a man.

“Abanazer is my alter ego,” she said. “It’s going to be such fun to play a really extreme character.”

Other twists which audiences have come to expect from PMA shows include a roller skating Slave of the Ring, Katie Bruce.

“I spend all my time on stage on skates,” she said, “I even have to dance in them but so far I’ve not had any mishaps.”

Aladdin is played by Hugo Joss Catton with the love of his life, Princess Yasmin. played by Emily Juniper.

“We love bringing pantomime to Darwen every year,” said George, “and this year Aladdin is going to be wonderful.”

  • Aladdin, Darwen Library Theatre, until Christmas Eve. For performance times and tickets visit the website darwenlibrarytheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 847 1664