A SOCIALLY-distanced pantomime will be flying in to Kidderminster on a magic carpet just in time for Christmas!

The team behind last year's town hall panto production of Cinderella have confirmed their 2020 show Aladdin will be going ahead as planned this December.

Matt Smith, manager of Kidderminster Town Hall, said: “Thanks to a successful bid and award from the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, Kidderminster Town Hall can develop a Covid-secure programme of events over the next six months.

"This will include this year’s pantomime which will be co-produced with Michael Neri Theatrical.

"We are also working on a business plan for the future development of the town hall and an annual pantomime has an important part to play.

"We are delighted to be working with Michael and his team again and I’m sure it will be as popular and successful as last year’s production.”

Last year’s production of Cinderella was a debut first professional pantomime for Kidderminster, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it looked increasingly unlikely the team would be able to return with another instalment.

However, panto organisers were determined to pull the production together to bring some joy to the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The show will play to a socially-distanced audience and run with a slightly smaller cast and production team in order to comply with national restrictions.

Aladdin’s producer and director Michael Neri said: “I am beyond excited to be bringing even just a small amount of theatricality to the Wyre Forest area

"We had amazing feedback from our debut production last year so I hope we can bring all the fun and laughter again and give some joy in what has proved to be a very challenging year for all.

"Our ongoing partnership with Kidderminster Town Hall has been the saving grace of this year’s production and it’s a privilege to have support from the team.

"We have given much consideration to the social distancing we need to put in place and I am confident we will deliver a safe experience for all.”

The production team will aim to use actors and creatives from the West Midlands area in the Aladdin pantomime, providing around 20 temporary job opportunities from front-of-house to technical support staff.

Councillor Sarah Rook, Mayor of Kidderminster, said: “The town council are pleased to welcome Michael and the team back to the town hall.

"This is a highlight in the festive calendar and will bring the community and families together in a Covid-secure venue this December.”

Aladdin will play from Monday, December 7 to Friday, December 11, with 4.30pm and 7.30pm shows taking place daily.

Tickets can be booked online at townhallpanto.co.uk.