All the best pantos have a girl as principal boy and they don't come much more girlie than the talented and leggy Melanie Stace.

About to go on tour with a new production of Gershwin's Crazy For You, the all-singing, all-dancing co-presenter of TV's Generation Game nevertheless puts all her energy into the title role of this lavish and original interpretation of the familiar Aladdin story.

The Connaught's pantomime is again scripted by versatile children's writer Christopher Lillicrap, who is never short of ideas to add that extra touch of magic.

If you have never come across a giant panda called Lulu or an eight-foot dragon in the tale of Aladdin's battle for possession of the magic lamp, you've been short-changed with the abridged version.

Nick Wilton, who starred as Mother Goose in last year's Connaught panto, continues to display impeccable dress sense as a formidable Widow Twankey.

Keith Drinkel, another familiar TV face making a return visit to Worthing, is a suitably scary Abanazar who laces his evil presence with a touch of humour.

Morgan Roberts is a powerhouse of comedy content as Aladdin's wayward brother - "Kids, when I come on and tell you it's Wishee-Washee, you yell out 'Splishy-Sploshy'. No! Louder than that!"

But is given ample opportunity to show us he is also a fine vocalist.

Two juvenile chorus teams of Nicola Miles Theatre Studios' pupils provide plentiful movement to the colourful scenes and David Carter, Dean Morris and Keith Goddard contribute music which adds to the delight of this original and festive show.

For tickets and further information, call 01903 206206.