One dad will swap the supermarket for the stage this week when Herne Bay's panto kicks off.

Father-of-two Nik Waller will star in Aladdin, this year’s pantomime at The Kings Hall.

The Carlton Hill resident – who has been the fresh foods manager at the town's Morrisons store for 10 years – will play wicked wizard Abanazar in the Theatrecraft production.

He said: “It can be tough at times with the hours I do here at Morrisons, but the panto is a nice relief.

“A lot of people have popped in over the years and said ‘you were in that show’.

“When I have played the dame before some have come in here doing the characters – it’s quite funny.”

Aladdin will run from today (Thursday) for four days and will include two matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Waller, 47, added: “This year is slightly different for me.

“I usually play the dame, but I thought I would play somebody evil like Abanazar.

“It’s a new challenge but it’s all very slapstick and the character I play is not a very good evil magician – he’s quite rubbish.

“It is nice to get a different reaction and to be booed.”

A cast of 22 will take to the The Kings Hall stage after three months of rehearsals.

Director Kes Hewett, who is managing a panto for the first time, praised this year’s script.

“The jokes are still making me laugh after three months of rehearsals and hopefully when it gets to the stage it will be transformed..." - Kes Hewett, director

She said: “It’s a nice round-up to the Christmas season; great singing, lots of dancing and I have to say the script we have is very good.

“Sometimes scripts are quite weak for pantos but this one is really good.

“The jokes are still making me laugh after three months of rehearsals and hopefully when it gets to the stage it will be transformed.”

Andrea Oliver will take the lead role as Aladdin.

She said: “For me it’s quite a big thing. I haven’t been in the panto for about five years.

“I directed three and missed one, so coming back on stage in the lead role is a bit scary and extremely exciting.

“It’s great because I am now going to appear with my daughter, while my husband and son are doing the lighting.

“It’s probably the strongest script we have had for a good few years.”

Tickets are still available at www.theatrecraft.org.uk or via the Theatrecraft booking line on 07842 535596.