A THEATRE company has come up with their perfect tonic to beat the January blues.

Victoria Hall Amateur Dramatic Society is keeping the festive feeling a little longer by bringing the popular pantomime Aladdin to the stage this week.

The society, which stages its production in one of Bolton's finest venues, is staging the much loved children's story as its annual winter show.

Dawn Hargreaves, from the society, said: "Come with us to Victoria Hall, as we travel on an Arabian journey to meet Aladdin, the street urchin who finds, in a cave, a magical golden lamp where a cheeky, but loyal, genie dwells.

"They become the best of friends until the nasty Abanazer comes along and steals the lamp and the genie. All is not lost as Aladdin seeks to find the lamp, Musty, his Genie and Princess Juniper."

Aladdin is played by Hannah Park, who shone as Julie in Clerical Errors and Natalie Quinn brings her cheeky personality to the part of the Genie.

Other characters include Matthew Wilkinson as a very dizzy Wishee Washee; Katie Barnes as a feisty, yet alluring Princess Juniper; Barry Massey in his usual guise of panto dame; David Walsh as Abanazer ­— "definitely the one to boo and hiss at"; Brendan Higgins and Anthony Johnson as the chaotic village bobbies; Chris Hilton as the mighty Emperor and Leanne Bailey, in her first main role, as the Slave of the Ring.

Dawn said: "There is a Chorus of twelve children, who are eager and excited to perform, with a few who are joining us for their first time on stage. All the cast have worked hard with enthusiasm at the core.

"We are sure you’ll be swept along in the fun and mayhem."

Victoria Hall Amateur Dramatic Society put on two productions a year ­— a play in May and a pantomime in January.

And as thank you to the church, the group put together a performance known as "Drama Sunday" which includes sketches, songs and dance all based around a chosen theme. This is presented in early September in the main church.

Aladdin opens tomorrow (Friday, January 4), with shows on January 11, 12, 18 and 19. Performance start at 7.15pm.

The show is the latest in a number which have been staged at Victoria Hall over the festive season. Highlights have included a sell out Eagley Band and Smithills Christmas Concert.

Bolton Symphony Orchestra take to the stage with its New Year Concert on January 26.

The concert will feature choirs from Eagley Junior School, Harwood Meadows Primary School, Kearsley West Primary School and St Saviour CE Primary School.

Music performed on the night will include The Snowman and a special showing of the much loved film, as well as excerpts from The Nutcracker.

For more information about the pantomime and the concert visit https://www.boltonmethodistmission.org.uk/events/victoria-hall-ads-panto-aladdin/