STRAIGHT from drama school and into his first pantomime - David Perkins has already been on quite a ride!

Moving at full speed from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts to Rhyl Pavilion, Perkins is ready to embrace the magic carpet as he joins the cast of Aladdin in the title role.

The 24-year-old, who produced and starred as Melchior Gabor in the run of Spring Awakening at Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, is starring in the production alongside Gemma Naylor (Princess Jasmine) from Nick Jnr’s Go Go Go! And Denbigh’s Sean Jones (Wishee Washee) who will be back at the Pavilion Theatre for his seventh annual pantomime.

Leading the cast is Jonathan Wrather, former Emmerdale star, who will take to the stage as villain Abanazar.

Speaking to Journal, Perkins said: "I was so excited when I got the part. I rang my mum straight away and she screamed down the phone.

Aladdin is quite a youthful and cheeky character, so I am just excited to come and have some fun because that is what Aladdin is all about."

Although Rhyl may be a ‘whole new world’ for Perkins, North Wales is not.

Perkins warmly described the region as his second home.

"My family, we used to come every year to Barmouth, so I know North Wales very well. I’ve been up Snowdonia hundreds of times,” he added.

"North Wales is not new to me. It feels like a home from home.”

Book tickets on 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

The pantomime will run at Rhyl Pavilion from Wednesday, December 12 until Saturday, January 5.

Keep and eye on the Journal as we introduce the other cast members over the next few weeks.