PANTO favourites were reunited yesterday for the launch of Aladdin at the Newcastle Opera House this winter.

The cast gathered in Stowell Street in Newcastle's China Town, for what will be the first pantomime to hit the theatres in Tyneside in early December.

The traditional tale of the genie in a lamp stars North-East panto stalwarts Brendan Healy and Kevin O'Keefe, along with actress Stephanie Constable as Aladdin, Century FM's Vicky Hawkins as the genie, as well as Maxie, from comedy duo Maxie and Mitch.

Aladdin runs from December 4 until January 3 and is the only pantomime in Newcastle until December 19.

For tickets or further details, contact the box office on 0191-232 0899.