by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

There've been some famous faces in Maidstone town centre this lunchtime for the launch of the Hazlitt Theatre's Christmas panto.

Hollyoaks and Holby City star Jeremy Edwards and Emmerdale's Sapphire Elia are just two of the stars of Aladdin who were in town for the panto, which will be staged at the theatre in Earl Street from Saturday, December 3.

It is star Jeremy's first time in panto - and his first time in Maidstone. "It is hard work but I hear it can be a real laugh," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it, and getting to know Maidstone. I've already seen a few good pubs which could become 'my pub' during the time I'm here."

He added: "I've got literally crowds of family and friends coming to see me in this."

Following last year's sell-out performances, this year's panto run will be a week longer. Genie Productions producer, Gary Telfer, said: "We're really looking forward to producing Aladdin this year, which has to be the most magical pantomime of them all."

There will be more than 85 performances. The show also stars Gary Damer, of CBBC's Hotel Trubble and former Mamma Mia star Andy Couchman as Widow Twankey, and who in his spare time sings in his own band Vertigo, which is playing at the Lion of Kent pub in Bearsted this Sunday.

For tickets call the box office on 01622 758611 or visit www.maidstonepanto.co.uk