MALVERN Theatres has vacuum cleaned their magic carpet, dusted off an old lamp and are getting ready for cries of "He's behind you" as their annual pantomime opened this week.

Aladdin stars children's television favourite Chris Edgerley and The Detectives actor Robert Powell and will run until Sunday, January 4.

Chris, from Hi-5, plays Aladdin, the poor son of a laundry owner who is hoping to marry the Princess played by Rebecca Marks.

However, his plans could be foiled by the evil Abanazar played by the one and only Robert Powell who starred in Jesus of Nazareth as well as opposite Jasper Carrot in the popular police comedy The Detectives.

On hand to help Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring played by Carrie Rawlings, and hindering rather than helping with his hilarious antics will be Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Derek Moran as Wishee Washee.

Owner of Twankey’s Laundry, Widow Twankey is played by one of the country’s leading pantomime dames Ian Good.

Joining in the fun will be comedy magician Mark James as PC Pong, Spencer K Gibbins as The Emperor and Connor J Barrie as The Genie.

Aladdin features a full supporting cast as well as lavish sets and costumes and a spectacular CGI flying carpet sequence.

Tickets, costing from £10 to £25.20, are available by calling 01684 892277 or online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.