GENIES, villainy, men in tights and romance are Bolton's magical mix for the pantomime season.

Bolton Little Theatre is hoping it has the ingredients right to result in reverberating to chants of "He’s behind you!” and "Oh no he isn't!" from tomorrow.

Its offering this year is Aladdin – the story of which probably needs very little introduction.

The directors reins are once again in the hands of Paul Cohen, who is a local panto expert after helping to produce every title in the genres cannon at one time or another in the Bolton area.

He said: "Aladdin has to be one of my favourites and the cast have, once again, enjoyed themselves immensely.

"It’s so rewarding to see it all coming together at the end of rehearsals knowing that our audience will enjoy it hopefully every bit as much as we do."

This year audiences will be rooting for the heroes to triumph over evil magician Abanazer who wants to get his hands on the magic lamp hidden in an enchanted cave.

Unable to get it himself, he tries to trick Aladdin in to getting it for him – but the young man's adventure leads to friendship with a Genie falling in love a beautiful Princess.

As ever it has all the essential elements of a traditional family panto: a young hero, comedy sidekick brother Wishee-Washee, Pantomime Dame Widow Twankey, a larger than life baddie and daft of clown policemen.

Society chairman David Smart returns as the Evil Abanazer.

He said: "I enjoy being Chairman, but this is my one release in the year that I will not miss.

"It’s such a great way to let off steam: seeing hundreds of people in front of you with huge grins on their faces and laughter in their hearts – that’s why I do it really."

Matt Seber, who is also returning as one of the comedy policemen, adds: "It’s been great seeing the hard work of the Stage Coach kids paying off and a pleasure to work with them."

Aladdin runs from Friday to December 17 from 7pm, and weekend matinees from 2pm, at the Hanover Street theatre. To book call the ox office 01204 524469 or visit www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk.