WE may be enjoying summer but there is always time to start thinking about the annual pantomime.

Stars of the stage and screen got into the spirit of panto at Malvern Theatres yesterday and met some of the youngsters who had gathered for autographs and pictures.

This year it’s Aladdin, starring Casualty’s Clive Mantle, former EastEnders star Hannah Water-man, who also appears in New Tricks with dad Dennis, CBBC presenter Michael Absalom (Abs) and one of the best Widow Twankeys in the business, Nick Wilton.

Fred Moroni, of Malvern Theatres, said: “Although it’s only August, pantomime plans are well under way. This is the official start of the pantomime period and it's always a fun day, especially for the youngsters who are always excited to see the stars in costume.”

Worcester cricket club fan Mr Mantle said he was delighted to be back in Malvern.

“I know the town really well. I’m a great supporter of Worcestershire County Cricket Club as I was a childhood fan of Basil D’Oliveira. I also know Worcester well, so it’s great to be back,” he said.

Mr Mantle said a pantomime was a great chance for the whole family to get together at Christmas and he also loved the reaction he got as the show’s ‘baddie’, the evil Abanazar.

For Ms Waterman, playing Aladdin, this will be the second time she has been principal boy, and she said it was a great chance to have fun with a character.

“I haven’t been to Malvern before. It is just so beautiful here and I look forward to spending time here over the Christmas period,” she said.

BBC children’s presenter Abs, best known for the programme Best of Friends, will be playing Wishee Washee for the first time.

“A pantomime is a chance to go out with family and friends and have a good time. Being in a panto is something I have always wanted to be involved in,” he said.

Squeezing into his high-heeled boots for the ninth year, Mr Wilton is already getting into the spirit.

“To hear the children’s reactions is great. You don’t hear that sort of laughter anywhere else and they always love getting into it,” he said.

The pantomime will run from Thursday, December 18, until Sunday, January 11. To book, ring the box office on 01684 892277.