The wicked Abanazer is seeking the magic lamp that contains the all-powerful Genie, so that he can rule the world, and is just steps away from succeeding! Is all hope lost?No! Help is at hand! A family of wannabe heroes are here to foil Abanazer’s evil scheme! The innocent local lad, Aladdin, his brother, the cheeky Wishee Washee and their fearsome mother, washerwoman Widow Twankey are ready to intervene and save the day!Throw in some magical cave spirits, the Emperor of China, a beautiful princess and a trio of inept police women and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic tale and great entertainment. Packed with songs, silliness and audience participation for the whole family and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime!‘Aladdin’ by Bruce Gardner, starts at City Hall on December 6 and runs through December 15.Young Observer reporters got up close and personal with some of the youth involved in the production. We asked them what the ‘Aladdin’ experience meant to them:Brandon Souza (Mount St Agnes). For Brandon it is the second time doing pantomime. He admitted that last year he was very scared but is finding his second year a real lot of fun. He told us: “It means a lot of practicing for me, every day through November apart from Saturdays …” He also said: “I love pantomime because it allows you try out your own lines and if the management approve we can use them on stage.”Andrew Sussman (BHS) — Andrew told us: “I really love the idea of teaching and aspire to be an English and Drama teacher.” He went on to say that this is his first time working on a play outside of a school production and on such a large scale.Evan Farrow (Somersfield Academy) — Evan has been on stage before, he was in ‘Oliver’. However, this is his first time being a part of pantomime. He explained that the children’s chorus is a part of the opening number and finishes at intermission; allowing the children to leave early so they can get ready for school the next day.Taj Whaley (Warwick Academy) — Taj told us that he was enjoying meeting new friends and has always wished to be a part of pantomime.Mikaela Kawaley-Lathan (Saltus) — Mikaela is a part of the adult chorus. This is her third year working in pantomime. She told us: “I love to sing and dance in pantomime.”l‘Aladdin’ by Bruce Gardner, music arranged by James Burn and directed by Jo Shane, will commence on December 6 and run through to December 15 at City Hall. There are also matinees on December 8, 9 and 15. Tickets are $35 and are available at www.bmds.bm now or at the Daylesford Box office between November 28-December 5 from 5.30pm — 6.30pm (Tel 292 0848) or at the City Hall Box Office one hour prior to shows (Tel 292 2313)