There's magic in the air as Lighthouse Poole is thrilled to announce Aladdin as its wonder-filled family pantomime this Christmas. 

And following the success of last year's UK Pantomime Award-nominated Lighthouse production, CBeebies star Chris Jarvis will return to write and direct the show as well as appearing as Widow Twankey. 

"It's so exciting to be coming back to Lighthouse in one of the greatest panto stories of them all - it'll be jam-packed with jokes and saturated with traditional panto silliness that all the family will love," says Chris. 

It's ten years since he last appeared in Aladdin and Chris is already hard at work on the script. 

"We're going to tell the traditional story," he reveals, "but in a different time and place, some of which might be more familiar to the good people of Poole. We’re still working on the spectacle, but I can promise genies, a lamp, a laundry scene, masses of magic, plenty of wishes and, of course, a magic carpet." 

And after playing his first ever Dame in Poole in 2021, Chris is ready to frock 'n' roll once again. 

"I can't wait. There's a reason the great Christopher Biggins says Widow Twankey is the best role in panto - because it is! She's such good fun." 

Welcoming Chris back to the fold, Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain, adds: "Chris is a panto genie-us and we're delighted he's back with us this Christmas, alongside our brilliant technical director and lighting designer James Smith, who's Poole born and bred. 

"Panto is such a massive part of the Lighthouse year and we know our audiences look forward to its special blend of escapism and family entertainment so having been pipped at the post by Sir Ian McKellen in the UK Pantomime Awards, we're doing all we can to go one better this year!" 

:: Tickets are on sale now at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk, or call 01202 280000