PANTOMIME stars have descended on Darlington to step up rehearsals for Aladdin opening at the Civic Theatre on December 7.

Legendary children’s television actors the Chuckle Brothers are the stars of the show along with panto dame Philip Meeks, Phil Corbitt as the evil baddie Abanazar, and Durham actress Beth Stobbart as the princess.

Cast members are rehearsing at Darlington Rugby Club this week before putting the finishing flourishes to their performances when stage rehearsals start at the Civic next week.

Aladdin will run from December 7 until January 12 and all tickets for the opening weekend preview performances cost £18.

Ticket prices for the normal shows vary from £16 to £23.50, with various discounts on offer.