SHOPPERS in Bolton stopped and stared as a host of exotically dressed characters larked around outside the Town Hall.

And the keen eyed will have recognised Coronation Street star Ken Morley, who is appearing as Widow Twanky in this year’s Albert Halls pantomime, Aladdin.

The stars were busy in the first day of rehearsals, but took time out to chat about the forthcoming show, which opens on Friday, December 3.

Ken, who is probably best known for playing Reg Holdsworth in the soap opera Coronation Street, will star alongside Steve Ritchie, as Aladdin, Lucia Matisse as the princess and Bolton-born stuntman Paul Flanagan as the emperor.

“Widow Twanky is innocence personified — she’s just looking for a good man, but there aren’t many of those around,” said Ken. “She represents all the women in the company who work their hands to the bone while her two lazy sons just lounge around all day!”

Steve Ritchie was full of praise for his co-star.

“Rehearsals have been really funny — Ken cracks me up,” he said.

“He’s such an ad-libber, he comes out with loads of funny lines,” added Lucia Matisse. “It’s going to be a good run.”

Aladdin tells the story of the poverty-stricken young dreamer, who longs to win his fortune and marry the beautiful princess.

The show is produced by Duggie Chapman, who has been at the helm of the Albert Halls’ pantomimes for the last nine years.

He said: “It’s a fantastic, traditional show with lots of funny references to the Bolton area. This is without doubt the pantomime I’ve put on here so do come along and see us.”

“The thing about Duggie’s shows is that he has all these wonderful speciality acts,” said Ken. “He has ventriloquists, trapeze artists and wonderful specialist musicians who play instruments that a lot of people will never have seen before.”

The show runs until January 8. Tickets cost from £12 and are available from alberthalls-bolton.co.uk or by ringing 01204 334400 .