The curtain goes up this weekend on a talented Cockermouth crew who will be staging the town drama group's annual panto.

Cockermouth Amateur Dramatic Society will be performing Aladdin, at the Kirkgate Centre.

The colourful show features Nobby the naughty panda and a princess who’s into martial arts.

A spokesman said: "All the usual elements are there to guarantee a great time at the theatre. The role of Widow Twankey is in the experienced hands of Geoff Lawley, while Morgan Goodfellow (last year’s villain) takes the title role.

"The evil Abanazar is played with great relish by Owen Evans and Princess (Kung fu) Jasmine by newcomer to the Kirkgate stage, Poppy Knight."

It’s a family affair for the Walkers: Jacqui plays Wishee Washee, while daughter Caitlin is choreographer and Nieve plays the Panda. The show also features the Jacqueline Evans School of Dance.

Richard Bennett is the musical director with Robin Melville on the drums. The show is produced by Tony Magorrian and directed by Liz Pritchard

With a magic lamp, magic carpet ride, jewel-filled cave and powerful genies, Aladdin gives the production team lots of scope for special effects.

Performances start at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays, January 20 and 27, and 7.30pm on Friday, January 26.

Tickets (adults £8.50, u18s £7.50, family ticket £29) available from the box office - 01900 826448 or www.kirkgatearts.org.uk