A PANTOMIME has been given the go ahead this Christmas.

The Corn Exchange Newbury announced its pantomime, Aladdin, will go ahead later this year from Friday, November 27, until Sunday, January 3.

In partnership with Arena Seating, the Corn Exchange seating will be rebuilt so the venue can increase capacity whilst still adhering to social distancing measures.

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The new layout will have more space between rows and each household group will be kept separate using dividing Perspex screens.

Following the success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty, writing and directing team Plested and Brown (Clare Plested, Adam Brown and Amanda Wilsher) are back again this Christmas to bring a hilarious take on Aladdin.

Join Aladdin and friends on a magic carpet ride of adventure as they discover treasures beyond their wildest dreams.

But will they foil Abanazar’s evil plan? And will Widow Twankey ever get through her mountain of laundry?

The show is full of songs from across the decades, plenty of jokes and, of course, a few surprises along the way.

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Adam Brown, of Plested and Brown, said: "With so many shows being cancelled it’s a real privilege to bring a little Christmas magic to Newbury this year.

"With our hands washed and masks at the ready - we are super excited to get back into the rehearsal room! "Expect magic surprises wrapped in an anarchic playful panto with a super dooper, temperature checked cast!

"It’s about time we had a laugh this year don't you think?"

Katy Griffiths, Director of Corn Exchange Newbury, added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Arena on our new seating layout.

"This increase in capacity is what will make pantomime and future live events possible while social distancing remains necessary to keep us all safe.

"Everyone have been working tremendously hard behind the scenes and we are delighted to bring some panto magic to Newbury this Christmas."

Corn Exchange said it is following all industry and government Covid-19 guidelines.

The pantomime cast will be in a bubble with regular Covid testing, audience members will need to wear masks throughout the performance unless they are exempt, and there will be Perspex dividing screens between households.

The company said audiences can book with confidence, knowing that if they are unwell with Covid-19 symptoms or having to self-isolate their tickets can be transferred, credited to their account or refunded.

To book tickets visit www.cornexchangenew.com/panto.