IT'S Christmastime which can mean only one thing for theatregoers, it’s panto time.

And visitors to Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre are in for a treat with a riotous romp with Anton Benson Production’s star studded spectacular in the form of Aladdin.

It boasts all the ingredients audiences can expect from a traditional pantomime including high camp humour, slapstick comedy and a classic love story.

But this star-studded production offers some surprises in the form of special effects, surreal set pieces and visual gags plus an illusion or two.

Benidorm star Jake Canuso is awesome as Abanazar.

He revels playing the role of the panto baddie, lapping up the boos or as he explained ‘I love the booze’, being best known as the barman Mateo from the long running ITV comedy show.

Abanazar, is cruelly dubbed a pound shop Antonio Banderas by Coronation Street actress Lottie Henshall, who proved delightful as Spirit of the Ring.

Fellow Coronation Street actor Richard Hawley was brilliant as the befuddled Emperor of No Peking determined to protect his daughter Princess Jasmine played superbly by the Hollyoaks and Blood Brothers star Amy-Jane Ollies.

Matt Dallen was wonderful as the hapless Wishee Washee.

His partner in comedy crime was the outstanding Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalist – Peter Brad-Leigh, whose witty one-liners and outrageous outfits as Widow Twanky provided lots of belly laughs.

Our hero Aladdin was played with the right level of courage and wide eyed wonder by the likeable Robby Khela having the time of his life wooing Princess Jasmine and responsible for one of the quickest proposals panto land has ever witnessed.

Memorable moments included clever word play highlighting the differences between Jake Canuso’s accent and Lottie Henshall’s northern expressions and a hugely funny Twelve Days of Christmas sequence involving the whole cast.

Special mention must go to members of Body Rock Academy and North Wales School of Dance, stunning costume, music lighting an set design plus the startling spectacle of a 20ft Genie voiced by Children’s TV Legend Dave Benson Phillips which delighted younger audience members.

Aladdin is on until Saturday, December 31, at Rhyl Pavilion.