Glitter and sparkle at Bournemouth panto launch

Chemistry, charisma and plenty of cackling filled the air at another successful panto launch, as the cast convened in costume to celebrate the event. Swapping Albert Square for the centre stage is Eastenders' own bad boy Scott Maslen – better known as Jack Branning – for a stint as the evil Abanazar. New to panto, Scott was excited: "I'm a panto virgin! It should be a good laugh; I'm up for a bit of fun!"

Scott proved to be a natural entertainer, testing his vocal talents and keeping all amused. Unlike his character Jack Branning, Scott is no stranger to glitter and sequins, having appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.

Topping the glitter scale, however, was the fabulous and funny Bobby Crush who is playing the dashing Dame, Widow Twankey; certainly not new to the stage, with a great history of West End successes including three seasons at the London Palladium.

Panto veteran and local boy, Chris Jarvis is returning to write and direct his eighth panto and also star in the show as Wishee Washee. Bouncing off of the other cast and crew, Chris jumped straight into character and pulled out all of the stops for the photo opportunities!

With a cast stronger than the genie's lamp, this years panto is set to be magical, magnificent and more amusing than ever.

Aladdin, Bournemouth Pavilion 7 December 2013 to 5 January 2014