Festive joy will return to the Watford Palace Theatre stage on Saturday when the curtain is raised for the first time on this year's annual pantomime Aladdin.

The seasonal production will run until December 31, with group discounts of ten per cent for groups of ten or more and 15 per cent for groups of 20 or more available.

The theatre said this applies to all performances except Christmas Eve.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/2p8nyj96.

The festive staple, which began in 1908, is set to light up the season once more under the guidance of chief executive and director of programming, Steve Marmion, who also penned the script.

(Image: Emma Holland Pr) James Williams is at the helm as director.

Returning for his 12th year, Terence Frisch, known for his role in Cinderella, will take the stage as Widow Twanky.

His comedic performance has become a highlight of the Watford panto season.

The cast also includes Louis Gaudencio from The Great British Bake Off Musical as Aladdin, Gigi Zahir from Frankie Goes To Bollywood as the Genie, Diya Sohi from The Beaker Girls as Princess Jasmine, and Kate Donnachie from Unexpected Twist as Wishee Washee.

Chanice Alexander-Burnett from Les Misérables will play the Spirit of the Ring, while John Henry Falle from Ghosts will portray the villainous Abanazer.

A youth chorus of 12 young people from across the three counties will also feature in the production.

Ellie Verkerk will helm the musical direction of the pantomime, with choreography by Erina Lewis.

Tania Chrysanthou is the associate choreographer, Gigi Kuo will serve as deputy musical director, with Craig West handling lighting design and Adrienne Quartly in charge of sound design.

The production follows last year's acclaimed Cinderella and promises to deliver laughter and seasonal joy once more.