The curtain will rise this evening on Beccles’ Christmas pantomime Aladdin at the Public Hall.

Set in Old Peeking China, the pantomime follows the story of Widow Twankey and her two sons Wishee Washee and Aladdin. They go out searching for fame and fortune to save their struggling laundry business but encounter some problems along the way when they discover a magic lamp.

The show will be packed with upbeat songs, dazzling costumes and stunning scenery.

The production will see last year’s lead Emma Riches taking on the role of Aladdin joined by a brand new cast.

She will be joined by Daniel Hanton who will play the dame, Widow Twankey. Mr Hanton has played the dame in various pantomimes across the country including a few years at Bungay and most recently as an Ugly Sister in Cinderella at Great Yarmouth’s St George’s Theatre.

Ross Chenery takes the role of loveable, happy-go-lucky Wishee Washee along with Sharn McDonald who will bring magic to the stage as the Blue Genie.

And of course a pantomime is not complete without its baddie, and show producer Ryan Holt will swapping sides of the stage to play the evil Abanazar with his side kick Helen Harper playing the Slave of the Ring.

Gavin Dean, one of the producers behind the show said: “It’s an action packed show with a great cast!”

SparkLive Pantomimes are producing the show, and the pantomime is sponsored by Durrants which runs an estate agents and auction room in Beccles.

Aladdin will open at Beccles Public Hall at 5.30pm today and continue until Saturday, January 21, 2017. For more details and to book tickets, which start at £9.50, visit www.becclespublichall.org.uk, call 01502 770060 or pop into the box office open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.