IT FELT like Christmas was properly started by the pantomime Aladdin at the Pavilion on Saturday.

Chris Jarvis’s fantastic script was brought to hilarious life by an excellent cast including Eastenders’ Scott Maslen, entertainer Bobby Crush and Chris himself.

The jokes come thick and fast in what is a brilliantly put together show that includes lots of local references – including ‘the spirit of the Imax, the eyesore in the sky’.

There are and some great versions of songs including Somewhere Only We Know and Get Lucky, that are sung really well.

The show expertly mixes in lots of gags that keep all the adults laughing throughout with some really sharp quick-fire comedy at times.

And there are plenty of classic panto moments snuck in for good measure too.

Maslen and Crush are both hilarious and you get to enjoy some of Crush’s piano skills.

There’s so much fun packed into this show you leave wanting to watch it again, so you’ll be a Christmas turkey if you miss this one.