Most pantomime casts only have a short time to rehearse to get it right on the night but Lanternfish, the resident company at The Maltings Arts Theatre, tours its Christmas show to schools across the land, so when it comes home to St Albans it’s fine-tuned, fabulous and timed to perfection.

This year’s production of Aladdin and His Magic Lamp, a comedy adaptation by Anthony Peters with songs by Mark Ponsford, promises lots of audience participation, colourful costumes and a trademark ingenious set.

Down in Old Peking, not much washing is being done at Widow Twankey’s Chinese Laundry. Aladdin is out in the market watching the royal procession of Princess Balroubador. It isn’t long before he is met by the wicked Abanazer who makes him an offer he can’t refuse - it involves a magic door, a hidden cave and wonderful lamp!

Aladdin and His Magic Lamp comes to The Maltings Arts Theatre from Saturday, December 19 to Monday, December 28. Tickets: 01727 844222