If someone said the name Aladdin, what would you think of? Would you think of magic carpets, a cave in the desert filled with treasure and a powerful genie inside a lamp?

If you answered yes to any of the above you would be right! This year The Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh brings a different spin to the story with the traditional British Pantomime "Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp".

Traditional Pantomimes have been performed for generations in Britain and are usually based on a fairy tale or a nursery rhyme. The story

is then modernized to include references to celebrities, politicians, music, movies or current news headlines.

Add to the mix local references, corny jokes and slapstick gags and you have the basis for a Pantomime. As always with a traditional British Pantomime, there is a female character referred to as the "Dame" of the production. The "Dame" is played by a man, which adds to the comedic wit of the story.

Then you have the hero of the play, which is usually a male character, referred to as the "Principal Boy". This character is always played by a woman, further adding to the twists and turns of the story.

Having a man play a woman and vice versa isn't enough to make a traditional pantomime. You need music and dancing, colourful costumes and make-up, and lots of goodies and baddies to get the audience involved.

Audience participation is part of the magic of a pantomime. Unlike a regular theatrical production, the audience is encouraged to cheer for the good guys and boo for

the bad guys, creating an energized performance the whole audience will enjoy.

Similar to the Disney version, this year's production of "Aladdin" has some of the same characters and as well as few new hilarious ones.

Last year's author and director for the Pantomime "Cinderella", Bev Nicholas and Nick Holms, are back again to bring even more laughs. It is a family treat you won't want to miss!

"Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp" plays December 2 and 9 at 2:30 pm and December 1,2,8 and 9 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 each including tax, and can be purchased at the Erin Toybox, the Erin and Hillsburgh Libraries, or by calling the Box Office at 519-855-4586. A handling charge is applicable for phone orders using VISA. For more information visit centurychurchtheatre. com .