MAGIC will be in the air when a much-loved group lifts the curtain on ‘Petersfield’s Proper Pantomime’ next week.

The Winton Players and their fans could do with a laugh after the emotional rollercoaster that was Birdsong.

Thankfully, their wishes have been granted as their adaptation of Aladdin features a crowd-pleasing blend of silliness, music, stupid names, villainy and love.

Sparks fly when Aladdin (played by Rachel Spiller) and Princess Lotus Blossom (Emily Watts) meet at the market place in Peking, but the latter’s father, Emperor Roo Ling You (John Edwards) is not too happy with the match.

He calls upon Blossom’s bodyguard, One Long Pong (George Stephenson) to keep the lovers apart but Aladdin sets out on an adventure to make his fortune and convince the emperor to let him marry the princess.

But the course of true love never does run smooth and the evil Abanazar (John Whitaker) is hell bent on ruining the pair’s happy ever after.

Come along and find out the fate of these star crossed lovers!

Shows will take place at Petersfield Festival Hall from January 11 to 19 with some matinee places available.

Tickets are available from the website www.wintonplayers.org.uk or the Town Visitor Centre.