THE curtain will go up on the Tiverton Players' popular annual pantomime tonight.

Marking their 71st journey into the pages of some of the nation's best loved fairytales, they will hold their opening night at Gorse Hill Community Centre tonight with a brand new performance of Aladdin.

Written and directed by Paul Greenhood, this year's performance welcomes the Tanwood Dancers as its special guests.

Leading a cast of many familiar faces in this year's pantomime are Marion Crewe, Amber Wollen, James Perry and Hayley Huckin in the star roles of the popular rags to riches tale.

The players will be on stage again this evening and tomorrow evening at 7pm, followed by a matinee performance on Saturday at 2pm and an evening performance at 7pm.

Tickets costing £6 for adults and £4 for children and concessions can be booked in advance by calling 01793 640 271.

A family ticket for two children and two adults costing £18 is also available.