ALADDIN panto performers in Launton have immersed themselves in character with a lesson at the local takeaway ahead of today's ticket launch.

The Launton Village Players are hard at work practicing lines for next month's pantomime Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.

But a few cast members took time out rehearsals to visit Andy Ng at The Sun Wah in Langford, Bicester, for a lesson in running a takeaway.

Producer Celia Evans said: "Much of the story is set in Old Peking and we wanted to get first-hand advice so went to see Launton resident Andy Ng – who has been a great supporter of the Panto for many years and is originally from China.

"The story has the hero Aladdin (played by Daisy May Richards) and his mother The Dame Widow Twankey (played by Scott Houston) setting up a takeaway to support their family laundry in the Chinese capital.

"It made sense for the characters to go and get business tips from Andy."

Lead cast members were joined by three of the 11 children who will feature in the show.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp is the 32nd pantomime staged by the amateur dramatics group and the third new Aladdin script performed in the group's history.

Tickets go on sale today and the various box office locations have moved.

People can now pick up their tickets in Coles Book store in Crown Walk, Bicester and The Bull Inn in Launton.

Both locations will take card payments this year for the first time.

Mrs Evans added: "The Launton Village Players are hard at work on their 32nd pantomime, preparing for the first performance on February 15.

"This year we are having a third try at Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, with a new script written by Martin Evans who is also directing the show, plus music from Steve Webber."

The show will be raising funds for causes and charities in Bicester.

Over the past 31 years the group's pantos have managed to raise £105,000.

There will be two performances of the pantomime on February 15, 16 and 17, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, at the hall in Cooper School in Churchill Road.

Adult tickets are £10 and children tickets for £5 or for more details see launtonvillageplayers.org.uk