A TRADITIONAL pantomime with a twist is set to mark the start of Christmas in Radcliffe.

For St Thomas' Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society are basing their latest production on Aladdin, but the names have been changed for the Nativity.

Among the characters will be King Herod instead of the evil Ebenezer, Widow Swanky instead of Widow Twanky, Rover the Donkey, and the Three Wise Guys.

Named A-Lad in a Manger, the pantomime tells the triumph of good over evil and is filled with humorous songs.

Performances will be held at St Philip's Community Centre, in Higher Dean Street, on Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18.

It will also be shown at St Thomas and St John's Church, in Blackburn Street, on Saturday, November 24, and at St Stephen's Church, in Bolton Road, Bury, on Sunday, November 25.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children. They are available by calling Ron and Barbara Waite on (0161) 724 5368.