A dash of evil, a bit of slapstick and more than a dose of laughter will be on show for the Marlowe Theatre’s panto starring former EastEnder Scott Maslen and CBeebies favourite Phil Gallagher.

The stars will certainly be arriving for the production of Aladdin, which will take the stage again in November.

Former Eastender and The Bill star Scott Maslen will be playing the evil Abanazar. He said: “I enjoyed myself and had a lot of fun doing panto last year. So it’s the same character but a different challenge.

“My friend Sam Womack told me I should come down to Canterbury and do it, she said it was lovely, so here I am ready to go.

“My character is definitely going to be evil, a camp evil in the style of Terry Thomas in the classic Carry On brigade.”

“He will have multiple personalities, floating between eight or nine depending on my mood. It’s a great group and I’m sure the cast will all be keeping each other on their toes.

“It’s going to be great fun that everyone can enjoy with great entertainment. Nobody will be bored with it.

"Audiences should be ready to have a laugh and to see a great visual spectacle too.”

Meanwhile popular CBeebies front man Phil Gallagher will be returning to play the character of Wishee Washee.

The star of Mister Maker, who himself began working as a radio reporter in Kent, said: “It’s going to be great fun.

"It’s always good to have a chat with the audience. I like Wishee Washee because it gives a lot more commentary with a great script.

“The immediate reaction of the audience in panto is brilliant. They are encouraged to join in and have a great time.”

Local actors Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett will bring their own experience of panto, stand-up comedy and theatre plays to the performance.

The two will play Widow Twanky and PC Pongo. Lloyd said: “This has become a bit of a home from home, with the family crowd at the Marlowe, which appeals from everyone from three-year-olds to grandparents.”

Ben added: “I’m lucky to live in Canterbury, the people are so lovely. It’s my sixth year here, and people like Dave Lee have inspired me and kept me here. The audiences are second to none.

“It’s great to play a panto Dame, and there is no better Dame than Widow Twanky, so I’m delighted to be playing the part this Christmas.”

The production of Aladdin begins at the Marlowe Theatre on Friday, November 28, and will run until Sunday, January 11.

For more information or to book tickets call the box office on 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com.