BILLED as the funniest, the liveliest and the most explosive yet - this year’s Brewery pantomime promises to be its best ever.

Running from tomorrow night (Friday) until January 9, Aladdin is former Brewery chief executive Sam Mason’s swansong.

Sam - who writes the pantomimes - left the Kendal arts centre in October to become the director of Trading and Estates (managing the venues, entertainment, bars, cafes, and shops) for Edinburgh University Student Association.

And after spending the last eight years delighting Kendal crowds with his Christmas crackers, he intends that his farewell flurry of festive fun isn’t a damp squib.

"As Aladdin will be my final Brewery script, you had better be prepared to hold on to your seats as we watch my magic carpet take us on a final flight of fancy - full of entertainment, amusement and definitely lots of surprises along the way."

The stunning tale of magic, love and adventure offers some fabulous new numbers, exquisite sets and as usual a tinsel-tinted, rip-roaring professional cast.It just wouldn’t be panto-time without the likes of Helen Moffit, doyenne of dance and panto choreographer who plays Policeman Pong.

Nor would it be the same void of dashing Duncan Johnston.

In between singing on the high seas as lead male vocalist for Mirage Productions, he returns to the Brewery stage for his seventh season, this time as the Arabian hero Aladdin.

Also included in the top notch cast is Chris Clarkson (Wishy Washy), who’s television credits include A Touch of Frost, Emmerdale, My Parents are Aliens, Hollyoak and a guest presenter on BBC's The One Show; Denise Hoey, an immense vocal talent who plays the Genie; Christopher Wright, who takes the role of Widow Twanky and Ian Casey playing Abanazer, his first Brewery role.

Meanwhile, in the director’s chair as well as playing the Emperor is accomplished opera singer and actor Martin Lamb, who has been associated with the Brewery pantomime for many a yuletide, having played Captain Hook, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Scrooge.

All in all, lots of oomph and sparkle laced with live music, songs, and gags galore.

Look out - he’s behind you!

Box office 01539-725133.