THE Worthy Players’ annual pantomime is always eagerly anticipated and this year’s production of Aladdin lived up to all expectations.

Written by David and Alison Woolford with all the usual ingredients of love, good and evil, it brought together a large cast of experienced actors and promising newcomers.

Fiona McLoughlin as Aladdin and Connie Barnes as Princess Chop Suey were well cast both for their acting and singing as were the Emperor (Tim Ellwood) and Empress (Eileen Bellamy) who brought some rather dubious dignity to the proceedings.

No pantomime is complete without a Dame and Michael Heseldin relished his role as Widow Twankey. Also adding to the humour were the two inept policemen, Ying and Yang, played with great energy by Barbara Kearns and Lynne Grimes and the interfering Health and Safety Officer, Ivor Jobsworth (Douglas Mackie).

With colourful costumes and excellent stage sets and lighting this was a good traditional family show which had something for all ages.

Director David Woolford and the Worthy Players are to be congratulated on another successful pantomime. Oh yes they are!

ELEANOR HAMBLIN