Ruan Minor has chosen to perform Aladdin as the first ever village pantomime next week.

It is being produced by Angela Thomas, a trained opera singer who moved to the village after retiring as landlady of the Halzephron Inn at Gunwalloe.

The whole area has come together to take part, with former parish council chairman Paul Collins playing the role of the Grand Vizier and Cadgwith fisherman Jonathon Fletcher taking on the part of Widow Twanky.

It is hoped 400 people will have seen the pantomime by the end of its run in the village hall, from next Friday to Sunday (February 7 to 9), with a performance each evening at 7.30pm plus an extra matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £3.50 for adults and £1 for under 16s and students, available from the village Spar shop and Jane Spalding on 01326 290450. Saturday night is already sold out, although seats are still available for the afternoon matinee and the other evenings.

Publicity officer Richard Palmer, who plays a skeleton in the panto and is in the chorus, said: “It’s the first one for the village. No one can remember it happening before. It’s bringing people together.

“There’s a real buzz in the village. There’s so much effort being put in to it so we hope people will come and enjoy it.”

Playing the title role is Truro College student Sam Spalding, with the cast of 30 also including Will Trewin as Wishy Washy, Alexandra Strike as Princess Lotus and Bryher Trewin as her companion Yasmin.

Paul Preston takes on the role of emperor’s son Prince Peko, Mark Outten is Abanazer the wicked sorcerer, Di Fleetwood is Oo Flung Dung and Ann Vaulter, a former leading light of the stage in her youth, returns to tread the boards aged 82 as the Grand Visier’s mother Pei-Pei the Great Ha-Dron Kli-Da.

The role of the genie of the lamp is played by Judith Green, genie of the ring is Pat Palmer, the skeleton is Richard Palmer and the fairy of the cage is Jill Thomas.

There are also a number of chorus members, providing singing and dancing support.

Wendy Elliott is doing the costumes, music is provided by Robin Bates, with artist Jonathan Coudrille, and Tanya Strike is choreographing the show. Stage manager Sheila Collins has also been creating the set, alongside husband Paul Collins.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: