It was a packed house at The Central Theatre, Chatham yesterday evening for the opening performance of this year’s pantomime, Aladdin,

The cast includes singer Javine Hylton as the Genie, Mark Siney as Widow Twankey, David Dobson as Wishee Washee and Imogen Brooke in the title role.

This is the first year Jordan Productions have produced the theatre’s panto and associate producer Tim Sitwell said the company is thrilled to be doing so.

He said: “We know that audiences are going to love our production. We have packed the show full of surprises and there really will be something for everyone this Christmas.”

Villain, Abanazaar is played by Todd Carty, who started as Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill before becoming Mark Fowler in EastEnders.

He is looking forward to a run in panto. “It’s all old-fashioned fun. Who doesn’t love a custard pie in the face?” he said.

And Todd has a chilling laugh prepared for Abanazaar: “He’s going to be evil but I want you to love to hate him. He’s a bit of a rascal. He’s got a glint in his eye but I wouldn’t trust him.”

But never fear, because PCs Hip and Hop are on hand to try to keep everything under control.

Twist and Pulse, who came second in Britain’s Got Talent 2010, said: “We got approached to do panto for the first time last year and we loved it.”

The duo will bring their unique brand of “streetomedy” and will not be having any misbehaviour in the audience: “Anytime anyone steps out of line we send them to the naughty corner. They have to do the splits if they’re naughty.”

Aladdin runs until January 4. For tickets go to www.chatham-panto.com or call 01634 338338.