ALADDIN is one of the most lavish and spectacular pantomimes to put on.

Costume and scenic designers and special effects wizards can have a real ball with the potential to create something truly special.

And that's exactly what the magical Lakes Players have in mind as the stage is set for this year’s 20th LP production.

Bringing a taste of the Far East and the fabled city of Agrabah to The Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, director Stewart Hart and his princely production team have pulled out all the stops and worked hard to create a phenomenal extravaganza of flying carpets, elephants, camels and, according to Stewart, "more glitz and glamour than any fictional city in the world."

Running from Tuesday, January 20, until Sunday, January 25, it promises to be a marvellous magical carpet ride.

"Approaching our 20th anniversary is a great achievement," adds Stewart, "and all the hard work that goes into putting such a huge production together feels amazing.

"To see the show finally coming together in these last two weeks makes it all worthwhile.

"From set to stage, sequins to costumes and painting to props, the vast amount of people who help to stage such a big show become busy bees for six months of the year to help bring it all together.

"We have seen children grow up with our show and now bring their own children to see us.

"It has truly become a local event and that makes us all very proud."

In the early days, LP shows cost £600 to produce; that figure has now rocketed to more than £30,000 with most of the income created through various fundraising events, ticket sales and grants.

Stewart and his team use a professional scenery and costume hire company in Coventry and the special effects lighting and sound is donated by Purple Sheep of London, which specialises in lighting and sound for West End productions and corporate events.

” I couldn’t put the show on without my amazing team backing me all the way," continues Stewart, who takes to the stage as Widow Twankey. "I’m so grateful of their time and expertise."

It wouldn't be a Lakes Players show without the talented movers of Maria Francis Dance School and among the dazzling cast will be Becky Ives as Aladdin, Gareth Lambert plays Wishee Washee, Princess Lotus Flower is played by Rachel Woods, Anthony Dean takes the role of Abanazer, in the guise of Camilla the camel will be Rachel Slater and popping up as the Genie will be one of Lakeland's busiest - and finest - thespians, Simon Yaxley.

"We have pulled out all the stops this year, with it being our 20th anniversary production and we are always eager to try new things," explains Stewart.

"There will be even more special effects than before in this all singing all dancing production."

Tickets are available from the Royal Oak pub in Bowness or available online at www.lakesplayers.co.uk.

Evening performances start at 7pm

Matinees start at 1pm; no evening performance on the Sunday.