He played the role of Donkey in Shrek the Musical on a West End stage so actor and comedian Richard Blackwood is well placed to entertain in the panto coming to Maidstone.

Richard will play The Genie in Aladdin which arrives at the Hazlitt Theatre in December.

Today the cast lined up for the launch of the production, by meeting children from East Borough Primary School and taking part in photo calls aboard the Kentish Lady cruiser.

Scroll down for video

In the starring role is Alessandro Lubrano as Aladdin who will be alongside his love, Princess Jasmine, played by Elizabeth Bright. It will be the second performance in the County Town for Elizabeth, having starred as Cinderella last year.

They will be joined by Kivan Dene as Abanazar, Erina Lewis as Slave of the Ring, and of course not forgetting Widow Twankey - brought to life by Tim Hudson.

It will be Richard's fourth panto and he will join rehearsals straight from filming commitments.

He said: "I am going to be a cool genie and deliver lots of laughs. That's the thing about panto, the kids will judge you and hopefully they will laugh. The humour among the cast is genuine.

"I am becoming a veteran of panto. I started five years ago and have never looked back and have loved it ever since."

He joked: "I think after doing Shrek, and wearing that suit and sweating for two hours on stage and losing weight, you can do almost anything. In fact this costume [trousers and a glittery tabard] is lovely. I have room and can breathe - I'm living the dream."

While Richard is a stand-up comedian and has worked as a presenter, many know him for his role as Vincent Hubbard in EastEnders. He left screens after being bundled into a car with a gun held at him after becoming embroiled in a feud with Phil Mitchell. "The door is always ajar" is all he will say, when asked if his character could return.

Alessandro, who has performed in several pantos, said: "It will be a good night out for younger kids, there will be jokes for all ages and then there is the romantic side with Jasmine."

Rehearsals begin in November and Aladdin runs at the Hazlitt Theatre, in Earl Street from Saturday, December 1 to Monday, December 31. The box office is 01622 758611, or visit hazlitttheatre.com