PANTO season is already in full swing in Fareham.

All the cast were in full costume as Ferneham Hall launched its festive production of Aladdin.

Game of Thrones, Casualty and The Vicar of Dibley’s Clive Mantle stars in this year’s pantomime, again staged by Jordan Productions, the company behind last year’s smash hit production of Sleeping Beauty.

Theatre bosses are promising a festive extravaganza packed with top-class live music, a fabulous cast and dazzling sets.

Clive Mantle, known to millions as consultant Mike Barratt in Casualty and Holby City, Simon Horton the object of Dawn French’s affections in The Vicar of Dibley and Lord Greatjon Umber in HBO’s Game of Thrones, is looking forward to playing the baddie.

Appearing as the Evil Abanazaar, the man determined to spoil all our hero’s plans, Clive told the Daily Echo: “ I’m thrilled to be doing panto in Fareham this year and can’t wait to shout and frighten the locals. I expect to be booed very loudly every time I walk on please!”

He will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Christian Lee as Wishee Washee, Karis Anderson from girl band Stooshe who is playing the Genie of The Ring, Divine Cresswell as So Shi, Danielle Haywood as Aladdin and, back by popular demand, Mark Siney as Widow Twankey

Aladdin runs from December 8 to 31. Tickets from 01329 231942 or fernehamhall.co.uk