THE magical pantomime Aladdin is coming to the Barnfield Theatre courtesy of Exeter Little Theatre Company.

The company of talented local adults and children perform at least three plays a year, but it is always their annual pantomime that brings in the biggest crowds.

Running from December 27 to January 9, audiences can expect the usual singing, dancing, and slapstick, plus a magic carpet, Harry Potter and even the Ghostbusters.

For the fourth consecutive year, the role of the dame is being played Rob Luke, also the panto's production manager.

He said: "Our version of Aladdin stays relatively close to the story. It's a very traditional panto with all the elements you would expect to see. Like the laundry scene when we'll have lots of flying underwear and clothing going around the stage from the very mischievous washing machine and tumble dryer.

"We've steered slightly away from the song sheet as I think people need a change, but we will still be performing the 12 Days of Christmas — although it could be six depending on the time we have and then it will be a credit crunch version!

"Other songs include a hit from S Club 7, a song from Blood Brothers, and from Hairspray the film which some people might not necessarily recognise.

"The show also includes a romantic duet of Take That's Rule the World sung by Aladdin, played by Samantha Ottaway, and Princess Lotus Flower, played by Kate Thomas. We have a cast of 19 in the chorus and 12 principles; the youngest is seven and the oldest is in their late 40s. Rehearsals started as soon as we finished our last production, Annie, in October.

"Our pantomimes are popular because we always aim to have fun and are a cross between a professional and village hall production with a community aspect to it.

"Some pantos are over rehearsed and too slick and forced. We are there to do a good job, but at the same time have fun and if something goes wrong people seem to enjoy it even more.

"Playing the dame is good fun because you get to interact with the audience and spend two-and-a-half hours messing around."

The story starts when Aladdin takes a trip to Old Peking to find a magic lamp for the evil magician Abanazar. When he finds it he discovers the Genie, and his fortunes change for the better, until Abanazar kidnaps his true love Princess Lotus Flower.

Back in Widow Twankey's laundry she is trying to get the Emperor's undies ready for collection, but can she manage it with a misbehaving washing machine and a bad-tempered dryer?

Expect to see lashings of foam, bouncing laundry balls, flying pants and a dame with her gusset caught in the mangle!

Exeter Little Theatre Company has been based in the city for more than 50 years.

Aladdin is being shown at various times during its run at the Barnfield with both afternoon and evening performances to choose from.

Tickets cost £11, children under 16 £9, concessions £8.

Details: 01392 270891.