Grantham's Mr Pantomime Douglas Gorin, who is elevated to playing the Emperor of China, has put together a fine cast including roly-poly actor Gordon Desmond, who had the kids eating out of his hand as Simple Simon in last year's panto. He will bend the gender this year to become Widow Twankey, a role that Gordon, who is an experienced dame, revels in.


The role of kids' mate Wishee-Washee falls to Danny Posthill, a Geordie comic who is a bundle of energy. Aladdin will be played by young, fresh-faced Sam Corbin, who is just beginning his career, and Princess Balroubador by Jaime Louise Mulholland.

Ping and Pong are played respectively by Grantham lad Hayden Settle, who also plays the Genie of the Lamp, and Graham Hayes, who doubles as the Vizier.

Milking the boos as big, bad Abanazar will be Scott Bowler, and Guildhall favourite Sheila Pascall will be back as the Slave of the Ring.

And no Guildhall panto would be complete without the dancers and babes of the Grantham School of Dancing, or Uncle Bob McNeil Watson at the keyboard and Jack Pascall on drums.

Evening performances are at 7pm with matinees most days at 2pm. Ticket prices range from £6.50 to £8.50.

Many performances tend to sell out quickly and early booking is advised. There is an early booking discount before August 31.