Widow Twankey will be setting up her laundry in very smart surroundings this year as panto Aladdin takes up residence at the Town Hall.

This will be the first show to be staged in the Town Hall's newly refurbished Assembly Room and will run between December 22 and January 2.

Audiences are promised music, magic and comedy on a rollercoaster ride at 100 smiles an hour all the way to Old Peking with panto regular and producer Gavin Dean, joined by star villain Dave Higgins, comedy fall guy Jimmy Catchpole and leading lady Clare Durrant, as well as comedy magician Joshua Pickering and star of the stage Emily Johnson.

Gavin is working with his writing partner of ten years and fellow cast member Dave Higgins to pen the panto, and all the staging and scenery is being custom-built to bring a theatre atmosphere to the Assembly Room, described by Gavin as "an absolutely stunning venue which is well equipped for our audience".

He said: "The cast and crew are so excited to get back in front of the families that we entertained for five years. The audience had become part of our pantomime family and a huge part of our Christmas. This project is very personal to all of us."

The plans to transform the Assembly Room into a magical pantoland include building a 10-metre stage, full truss rigging and the installation of a bespoke light and sound system, as well as tailor-made scenery.

Aladdin runs from December 23, 2021, to January 2, 2022. Tickets cost: Adults £13.50, Children £11.50, Family tickets for 2 adults 2 children £48 (discount applied at checkout). Children under three not requiring a seat go free.

For show dates and times, and online booking, see www.GreatYarmouthPanto.com Alternatively call on 01493 846151 (open 9am to 3pm Mon-Fri). For general inquiries email info@greatyarmouthpanto.com

Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts. The show runs for 1 hour and 45 mins (incl. interval). Family tickets discounts will be applied at checkout.