Hugh McLaughlin, a former member of Portrush Music Society and Ballywillan Drama Group, is busy in rehearsals for the annual panto which opens this Friday.

“We began rehearsing just two weeks ago and are really looking forward to the opening performance when the schoolchildren come in and you have 800 or 900 youngsters watching,” said Hugh.

“I play the part of the Genie of the Lamp which is quite a small part but a very important part in the show.

“When the audience comes in, it really lifts the atmosphere and you really have to lift your game because kids aren’t afraid to shout anything at you,” said Hugh, who recently appeared as a dance in the film “Your Highness”.

Hugh and the rest of the Aladdin cast, including panto Dame William Caulfield and Casualty star Conleth Kane, helped switch on the Christmas lights in Derry City this week.

“It was a dreadful night, really cold and wet but there were loads of people there and it was great fun,” said Hugh who is also busy touring the province with his two piece band The Houdinis.

So is the Millennium Forum cast of Aladdin ready to do “panto battle” with the Grand Opera House in Belfast which is also staging Aladdin this year?

“Well, we’re not really concerned about it,” said Hugh, “because of the geography we both attract our own audiences.

“Last year with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we were sold out most nights and I’m sure this year will be no different.

“It’s a fantastic show and we are all looking forward to getting started.”

Aladdin opens at the Millennium Forum November 27 until January 3, 2010.

Tickets are now available from the box office, 028 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings and reservations.