THE Broadway Players are bringing a touch of the Orient to the Vale when they stage their annual pantomime Aladdin.

The 26-strong cast, including 15 children, has been rehearsing for three months to prepare for the festive spectacle. They are looking forward to entertaining residents and visitors alike in what has become something of a tradition for the village over the years.

Broadway player Dave Smith said: "We have been doing pantos for about 10 years now, and for about three or four years running we have written our own. I thought it might be more commercial to have a proper pantomime - everybody will have heard of Aladdin and know what they are going to see."

A lot of the performers include well-known village faces and many are helping prepare scenery with materials donated by village businesses. Mr Smith said: "The village support us very well, the kids have a great time. I always pick out local people from the audience and have some fun with them."

"It is good fun but it is also a lot of hard work and takes us the same amount of time to prepare as any other play we do."

The pantomime will be held at Lifford Hall, Broadway from Thursday, November 20 to Saturday, November 22 from 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Ashmore's Dry Cleaners, S & D Jelfs newsagents and post office, Olive Branch Antiques and HSBC in High Street, Broadway. Alternatively phone Dave Smith on 01386 852654.