THE story of Aladdin, like other pantos, centres around a poor boy who makes good, eventually marrying the princess whom he loves dearly.

Mountbatten Players appear to have a plethora of excellent singers among their number. It was a delight to see them cast in roles which suited their individual talents. All the main characters were performed with panache, but a man allowed very few words by his wife, Emperor Ming Vase (Frank Baker), stole the show.

Hiring in scenery, costumes, special effects and flying equipment probably made this a costly production, but what a result!

A magic carpet flew high above the stage carrying Aladdin and Princess Jasmine and Wishee Washee took an aerial route to retrieve the lamp from its plinth.

This production - like the jewels in its cave - sparkled from start to finish.