Aladdin on stage in malmesbury panto (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Aladdin on stage in malmesbury panto

3:34pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

Malmesbury's Athelstan Players are preparing to perform a colourful rendition of Aladdin at the end of next month.

The amateur dramatic society, which dates back to the early 1900s, performs a pantomime every year.

Chairman Christine Mace said: “We last did Aladdin 13 years ago. I love the costumes and I like the story. This year we’ve got 10 children, a lot for St Mary’s Hall, and 15 adults. “It’s good we can use everyone in the group.

“Rehearsals are going really well and we’re having a really good laugh. Aladdin will be played by Tracy Bridgeman – it’s her second show and first major role.”

Princess Jasmine is played by Debbie McKetchnie and Ian Cambrey-Smith will be the evil Abanazer. Costumes are being made by Sue Poole.

The pantomime will be performed from November 29 to December 1, but one date is held on the same night as the Malmesbury late night shopping event.

Mrs Mace said: “The trouble is the Chamber of Commerce late shopping is a week earlier this year so clashes with one of our performances. It is a shame because we always dress up and collect for charity. It will affect the audience as the high street will be shut to traffic.”

Tickets for the performances cost £6.50/£5.50 and are available from Miles Morgan Travel on (01666) 824801