JIM DAVIDSON must be used to getting his own way - but Southampton theatre bosses were forced to say no to him over a potential pantomime star.

The actor and comedian wanted to include a Bengal tiger in The Mayflower's all-star production of Aladdin.

The 15ft beast would have accompanied Banzai star Masashi Fujimoto, who plays the Emperor of China, as he walked on stage.

But, as Davidson revealed at a pantomime launch yesterday, Mayflower bosses instantly rejected the idea.

"Dennis Hall, the Mayflower's chief executive, said to me: 'Do you realise the dangers of that? It might eat some of the dancers!'"

Despite the omission, the £1 million production promises to have plenty of bite. Still in the process of being written by Davidson - who was the star of The Mayflower's 2001 pantomime Dick Whittington - the show will feature a multicultural cast, with music by 70s supergroup ELO and a troupe of Japanese Kodo drummers.

"The show is going to be just as lavish as Dick Whittington," promised Davidson, who will be playing the title role. I've taken the unusual step of having an oriental cast, which will add to the realism. It's not just a children's show, but I want to impress children with this wonderful story that has lasted hundreds of years."

Davidson will once again be using recorded rather than live music, despite a protest by the Southampton branch of the Musicians' Union during Dick Whittington.

"We are not using a band. The theatre pit isn't big enough to take the kind of band I wanted," he said.

"The music has been composed by ELO using 16 string players. It's fantastic."

The spectacular show will be loaded with special effects, including a short hologram sequence which is costing more than £150,000 alone.

The show will also star EastEnders actress Lucy Benjamin, A Touch of Frost's John Lyons, Roger Kitter and Mr Blobby.

Aladdin runs at the Mayflower from December 21-February 1 2004. For tickets and information call the box office on 023 8071 1811.