PANTO fever is once again getting ready to take the area, and in particular Droitwich Spa, by storm.

Tickets are selling fast for the Norbury Theatre's popular annual extravaganza with more than 2,000 people expected to snap up seats during Aladdin's 14-show run in January.

Music, fun and laughter are guaranteed with the 20-strong local cast playing Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and Aladdin himself.

Set in Peking, the colourful production promises to be a hit with all pantomime fans.

The show runs from January 12 to 14, 18 to 21, and 25 to 28, 2006, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on each Saturday at 2.30pm.

Other pantos on around the county and a little further afield this Christmas include Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Britt Ekland, at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from December 7 to 28; Ron Moody stars in Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from December 16 to January 8.

In Birmingham the Hippodrome also has Peter Pan, featuring Joe Pasquale, from December 21 to January 29, while the Alexandra Theatre has The Snow Queen from December 10 to January 15.

The Alex also has Shane Richie in Scrooge this week until Saturday, and Christmas with The Rat Pack from December 13 to January 7, while the Hippodrome will also feature the Birmingham Royal Ballet's Christmas production, Beauty and the Beast.