This year’s Helensburgh Theatre Arts Pantomime – Aladdin, written by Derek Bannon and adapted by Nina and Kyle Rapallini – is set to provide plenty of festive cheer at the Victoria Halls in a few days' time.

The finished article will be peformed in front of packed – and enthusiastic – crowds on December 5, 6 and 7.

The traditional Aladdin story has been given a new lease of life and is set in Arabee with a few additional and amusing characters.

Our hero Aladdin, played by Laura Dennett, finds love at first sight with the beautiful Jasmine, Lauren Hendry.

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However, ancient law forbids a commoner to look upon the Princess, and before he is sentenced for his crime, Aladdin meets his long lost uncle, Abanazar, played by the ever popular Kyle Rapallini.

But all is not as it seems: the wicked magician has his own evil agenda to get control of the magic lamp and rule the world.

This year sees Stuart Izatt return as the hilarious Dame Widow Twankey, wannabe laundrette entrepreneur, alongside the excellent Louise Mackie as her number two son Wishee-Washee, played by the excellent Louise Mackie.

Widow Twankey is a single mother desperately trying to keep her two sons out of trouble, while Wishee dreams of being a Laundrette entrepreneur but his great ideas never seem to work out.

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Helensburgh Theatre Arts have always encouraged new and young performers, and this year sees the return of some of of the company’s regular senior chorus members now taking on principal roles, including Josh MacMillan in the role of Genie of the Ring and Katrina Lowther and Tayler Bird playing the comedy duo, Pop and Dom.

Newcomers in principal roles include Laura Carmichael playing Jinni, Genie of the Lamp, Bethany Roknic playing Officer Dabit, and Clemmie Perratt in the role of the formidable Sultana, who ensures her poor, oblivious husband, the Sultan – played by regular favourite Elliot Howie – always stays in line.

The henpecked ruler is played by regular favourite Elliot Howie.

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Nina Rapallini said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of all cast members, especially the junior and senior chorus, without whom the show would not be as vibrant or exciting.

“Everyone has shown true dedication and enthusiasm and it has been a pleasure working with them all.”

We hope you come along to support your local Pantomime.

Tickets, costing £9 for an adult or £7.50 per child, are on sale now at the Victoria Halls for what looks certain to be a fun outing for all the family. (Oh, yes it does!)

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