HARROGATE Theatre's home-grown pantomime for the 2015-2016 season, Aladdin, opens on Tuesday.

The show marks the seventh collaboration by co-writers David Bown and Phil Lowe, who is directing his ninth Harrogate panto. "We're really excited about this year's show, as tickets are selling super-fast and rehearsals are in full swing," he says.

"We've got a really strong cast raring to go, and the script this year features the usual standard of jokes and tomfoolery. The set is looking festive and fabulous; those that have been to Harrogate Theatre's pantomime before will know what to expect and this year will be no exception.

"We've got panto legend Tim Stedman back again, and several members of our own youth theatre are involved this year. We also have some amazing special effects in store and even an actual flying carpet. Panto season is such an exciting time here in Harrogate, and there's not long to wait now. Bring it on."

Helium-voiced Tim Stedman returns for his 16th Harrogate pantomime, this winter as Wishee Washee, whose pet panda and best friend in the whole world, Pandora, will be played by Hannah Margerison: home-grown talent from Harrogate Youth Theatre.

Tom Peters, such a devilish joy in past villainous roles on the Harrogate stage, has flown to Yorkshire from his adopted New Zealand home to play Abanazer and the Emperor of China in a most welcome return.

"Many may not realise, but the Harrogate pantomime really is a year-long project," says media and campaigns manager Rachel Auty. "Tickets for the panto go on sale the day the previous year’s panto opens, with many key dates and popular seats being snapped up quickly by regular panto-goers. This year, Aladdin ticket sales have been particularly strong with numbers consistently ahead compared with the same period last year."

Aladdin will run from December 1 to January 17; tickets can be booked at harrogatetheatre.co.uk or on 01423 502116. Next Christmas's show is set in stone already: tickets for Dick Whittington will go on sale on Tuesday.