THE story of Aladdin comes from a collection of tales called One Thousand And One Nights, or Arabian Nights. Although most modern Aladdin pantomimes are set in China, the story actually originated in the Middle East. Aladdin was first shown on stage in 1788 and then again in 1813 when it was made into a comedy and accompanied by music.

As the pantomime changed over the years, so did the characters. Did you know Aladdin's mother used to be called Widow Ching Mustapha, before she became Widow Twankey?

One character we are all familliar with in this story is The Genie of The Lamp.

A genie is a magical servant who dramatically appears from a lamp in a wisp of smoke. There are good genies who like to help humans out and bad genies who like to cause mischief!

Come and learn more about the Genie and other characters, including Princess Jasmine, at the Orchard Theatre this Christmas in this modern-day panto of Aladdin.

Starring Brian Conley as the lad with the lamp, Brian Godfrey as Widow Twankey and Gillian Foster as the Genie, Aladdin offers something for all ages and will take you on a mystical journey of fun and adventure.

Brian Conley said: "Some people might think panto is a bit old-fashioned or stuck in its ways, but nothing could be further from the truth.

"Our show is a full-on variety show."

Aladdin will be at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from December 2 to January 8.

Tickets are priced from £10.50 with concessions for groups and under 17s/over 60s available.

Call the box office on 01322 220000.