EXCITED youngsters gathered at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on Saturday ahead of a gruelling pantomime schedule.

Thirty boys and girls aged seven to 17 from across the district will star in Aladdin alongside former EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson, TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, Herne comic Dave Lee and a group of acrobats from the Mongolian State Circus.

The young performers will begin rehearsals on November 12.

They will be split into three teams of 10 to perform in rotation during the two-month run from December 1 to January 20.

Producer Emily Wood said: “It isn’t long but we are sure everyone will be ready.”

Tickets for Aladdin are on sale now from the Marlowe Theatre box office on 01227 787787.