WIDOW Twankey is ironing her petticoats and stocking up on lipsticks, ready for her performance in Swindon's pantomime.

She is among a cast of international stars and young local talent set to appear in Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre starting next week.

Rehearsals began yesterday for the panto which has been billed as the theatre's biggest and best ever, packed full of family fun and sing-a-longs.

Australian soap star Aleetza Wood, 20, is taking a break from Home and Away to play the lead Aladdin.

Although she was brought up on the other side of the world, she is no stranger to the traditions of British pantomimes.

"Since I was very young I went to England every Christmas with my family to be reunited with relatives, and my mother always took me to pantomimes and the theatre," she said.

Also starring will be Juliette Kaplan, better known as Pearl in Last of the Summer Wine, and Geoff Hinsliff who spent 10 years playing Don Brennan in Corona-tion Street.

Looking forward to appearing alongside well-established performers are Swindon teenagers Holly Smart and Cheryl Houston.

Cheryl, who is 18 and lives in Haydon Wick, was offered the part of the princess.

"I have been in several pantomimes before but it is still quite nerve-racking. The adrenalin rush is incredible though," she said.

She first joined the Tanwood School at the age of eight and went on to appear in four pantomimes in Bath and Swindon. Cheryl is currently a pupil on a dance foundation course at the Town Hall Studios.

Holly, 16, plays the part of Slave of the Ring and despite her young age, also has a great deal of pantomime experience.

At the age of nine she appeared in Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal in Bath, and in later years performed in Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Snow White all at the Wyvern.

She began dancing at the age of two and a half with the Tan-wood School and is currently working towards Latin and ballroom exams to increase her dancing repertoire.

The pantomime runs at the Wyvern from Friday, December 15, until Saturday, January 13.

Shows will take place twice daily at 2pm and 7pm except for Sundays and Christmas Day when there will be no performances. And on New Year's Day there will be one show at 3pm.

Tickets cost £13.50 and £12.50 for adults, £11.50 and £10.50 for children, OAPs, students, disabled and unemployed people.

Family tickets are also available at £40 for two adults and two children. There are special concessions for group bookings and school parties.