IT MAY only be July -- but staff at Blackpool's Grand Theatre are already thinking turkey, tinsel and magic lamps!

Plans for the annual panto are already in place, and it doesn't take a genie-us to guess that where there's a lamp, there's Aladdin.

This year's panto stars Channel 5 and Disney Channel presenter Anna Williamson as the pauper-to-prince hero with ex-Coronation Street star Ken Morley as outrageous washer-woman, Widow Twankey.

And if you think Reg Holdsworth was flamboyant, garish and eccentric, wait till you see Reg in drag with his wacky wardrobe, wigs galore and a washing basketful of gags. And yes, the trademark big round specs are still there.

Just Good Friends star Shaun Curry returns as the Grand's favourite bad guy, this time playing Aladdin's wicked uncle Abanazer. And Geordie comic Steve Walls (Wishee Washee) joins EastEnders' Des Coleman (Slave of the Ring) to complete a festive feast of fun.

Aladdin has been written and directed by panto perennial Tom Bright, who has used his comic wit to pen many a panto hit at The Grand. The show is being produced by Martin Dodd and Peter Frosdick for UK Productions.

Peter Cutchie, general manager of The Grand said: "UK Productions have an excellent reputation for producing some of the best quality family pantomimes in the country and I am delighted to be working with them here in Blackpool for what promises to be a really special production."

Aladdin opens on Thursday, December 12 and runs until Sunday, January 5, 2003. To book e-mail the box office on box@blackpoolgrand.co.uk or phone on 290190.