A STREET urchin and a princess ? under usual circumstances, an improbable pairing.

Such is not the case, however, in Warwick Academy's adaptation of the fairytale . As the story takes centre stage this weekend, a magic carpet helps impossibilities become reality.

Behind the fantasy is drama teacher Jessica Greenslade. Also the school's head English teacher, she adapted the famous tale to make it more appealing to her students.

"It follows the traditional story line and, although there are no Bermuda references, I wrote it to include the kind of things that Bermuda children like, especially the children here at Warwick Academy.

"I think it's funny. It's challenging," she said, prior to giving a brief synopsis of the tale. "Aladdin is a street rat. He sees princess. He falls in love. She obviously hates being a princess. She's adventurous, a kind of modern girl.

"She likes fighting and playing. He falls in love with her. Nasty wizard comes along. He wants to marry the princess and become the leader of the world. And the magic carpet intercepts and saves the day."

Unlike the 1992 Walt Disney version of , this production is not a musical. It is, however, true to the origins of the tale ? an Arabian theme is maintained with the aid of the stage set, designed by art teacher Sally Craig ? thanks to the efforts of its actors and crew.

"The children are younger than we normally have on stage," Mrs. Greenslade said. "They're all between 12 and 14 years old ? (school) Years eight, nine and ten.

"This is probably the first time that a lot of them have been on stage and I wrote it specifically for their age group.

"It's a big cast ? 40 or so ? and they're the most enthusiastic, charming, funny group of children I ever worked with.

"But probably the most outstanding thing about the whole experience for me has been the assistant director, John Lake. He's a student here and he's taken rehearsals when I've been busy during class times. He's managed to control the cast. He has a real sort of spunky vision about the sort of things that would entertain an audience."

With performances tonight and tomorrow night, Mrs. Greenslade only asks that the public "come and support Aladdin on his journey".

q The show starts at 7 p.m. in the Phoebe Purvis Memorial Hall at Warwick Academy. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students, and are available on the door.