So panto season is upon us once again… Oh no it isn’t… Oh yes it is!

This year’s offering from the Princess Theatre, Torquay, is Aladdin, with the scene set and the orchestra in place the audience settled down to watch the action unfold, with many of the cast returning to the theatre this year after having roles in last year’s production of Cinderella, writes Rose Howes.

This year sees Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty stepping into the role of The Empress of China.

Anne is better known as one of the chasers from the teatime quiz show The Chase and is ranked 55th overall (second among women) in the World Quizzing Championships in October 2016.

This is not Anne’s first trip on to the stage for panto as she has appeared in panto since Christmas 2014 – the first time in Cinderella as the evil step-mother.

Our very own Luke Friend returned to panto this year by popular demand after playing the Prince in last year’s Cinderella.

This time round he took the part of the Genie of the Ring.

Luke is from Teignmouth and is better known for his music and his appearance on X Factor in 2013 where he came third. This was followed by his debut single in October 2014.

He sang and danced his way through the production and enjoyed the interaction with the audience.

Sam Callahan and Kaya Rose also returned to the theatre this year, with Sam playing Aladdin to Kaya’s Princess Yasmin.

This is the second time Kaya has taken a leading role in panto in Torquay, and with a background in musical theatre and dance she has presented children’s shows around the world.

Her love of the stage comes across with the ease of her performance and she obviously enjoys being there.

Sam was also on X Factor in 2013 although he left the show slightly earlier than Luke.

He has toured the country performing in pubs and busking and has had a number one in the dance charts in the US, although he hasn’t yet achieved his potential on the UK music scene.

Tom Owen returns to panto for the fourth time this year and loves being on the stage, where he learnt his craft.

Tom is a 50-year veteran of TV and stage. He plays Abanazar, the baddie we love to boo.

Ionica Adriana cartwheels her way on to the stage as the Genie of the Lamp. With an impressive list of credits to her name for singing, dancing and acting, she brings high energy and enthusiasm to her performance.

By far my favourite character is Wishee Washee – Aladdin’s brother – and his antics on stage brought the house down.

Wishee is played by Carl Johns, who has 21 years of panto behind him.

Aladdin is a first-class show. The cast all enjoy themselves on the stage and manage to draw the audience in to the production.

My mum, who came with us, said: ‘It took me back to my childhood when I would go to panto with my parents and siblings, shouting, screaming, singing and laughing.

‘The show was brilliant, the singing and dancing was excellent – a real laugh-a-minute, funny, family show.

Remember, if you are going to see Aladdin – cheer the good guys and boo the bad guys – and beware of flying toilet rolls!