IT IS the end of the panto season in Rhyl...oh no it isn't! Sadly, oh yes it is.

Aladdin flew on to the stage at Rhyl Pavilion on December 12. After 36 performances, and countless attempts to get in the song Baby Shark, the run came to an end on Saturday, January 5 and got a well-deserved standing ovation.

The cast was headed up Jonathan Wrather who played the controversial and conflicted Pierce Harris in Emmerdale.

Wrather took on the ultimate boo-hiss villain Abanazar. He was joined by David Perkins (Aladdin); Gemma Naylor (Princess Jasmine) from Nick Jnr's Go! Go! Go! Tom Whalley (PC Pong) and Simon Jessop (director and Widow Twankey).

Denbigh's Sean Jones (Wishee Washee) was back at the Pavilion Theatre for his seventh annual pantomime and had audiences eating out of the palm of his hand.

Denbigh's Sean Jones (Wishee Washee) had the audience in stitches. Picture: Mark Roberts

Sean, who has played the award winning lead role of Mickey in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers for 16 years, said: "This year was probably my favourite panto so far for a number of reasons.

"We had a lovely cast who all enjoyed the show and importantly, got on well with each other.

"The theatre is one of the best in the county in terms of crew and staff who all pull together to make sure we bring something special.

"Having such a beautiful theatre, where there are no bad seats in the auditorium, is such an asset to Denbighshire and I am honoured that I get to be the local boy in the pantos there, especially since the last three panto's has seen my young daughter join me as a juvenile dancer in the shows.

"The final show was really quite moving and exhilarating with a lovely standing ovation to finish on," Sean added.

"I now get to rest my aching bones for a few weeks before starting again with Blood Brothers."

Aladdin (David Perkins) with Denbigh's Sean Jones as Wishee Washee. Picture: Mark Roberts

Talking about creating panto magic as well as putting on the heels of a pantomime dame, director Jessop told the Journal: "It is great really because, even to be in it, you just submerge yourself in the production. You get under the skin of the text and things like choosing songs and with the choreographer on the dances and then you get to dress up and be part of it as well.

"You don't leave the circus after the first night, you get to be with the audience the remaining three or four weeks. It is the best of both worlds."

Asked prior to rehearsals, what he would bring to the role of Widow Twankey, Jessop said: "She is extraordinary gorgeous. Her stunning good looks really will make many of the men in the audience melt."

Audience member 'Steve' was singled out on the final night - much to the delight to the rest of the crowds as Widow Twankey gave him special attention and blamed him for every thing that went wrong with her new washing machine.

[Main Picture: Loula Geater (Slave of the Ring) with the all-powerful Genie (Lewis Kelly). Picture: Mark Roberts]