REHEARSALS are underway for a theatre’s Christmas pantomime.

Aladdin will open at the Gala Theatre, Durham City, on Thursday, November 27, starring Gala regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley as the evil Abanazar and daft laundry lad Wishee Washee, respectively.

Chris Connel, of The Pitmen Painters, appears as Widow Twankey.

The show was written by Ben Crocker and is directed by Gareth Tudor Price.

Matt McGoldrick is Aladdin, Christina Andrew is Princess Jasmine, Robert Hudson plays the Emperor and Viktoria Kay appears as PC Ping Pong.

Robin Byers, the Gala’s programming and operations manager, said: “Our mystical and madcap tale of Aladdin promises to be a wild carpet ride of a show and I’m sure it will be even bigger and better than ever.

“The support for last year’s show was incredible and we can’t wait to show audiences what we’ve got in store this festive season.”

There will be performances until Saturday, January 3. Tickets are priced £8.50 to £16.50, with family, group, school and baby discounts available.

To book, visit the Gala box office, call 03000-266-600 or go to galadurham.co.uk

Last year’s pantomime sold 28,000 tickets.