ST ANNES town centre will be brimming with talent this weekend as the stars of Lytham St Annes Youth Theatre parade through the streets in the dazzling costumes of their forthcoming production.

The young cast of Aladdin will grace the Square on Saturday (December 18), between 10.30am and 10.45am, giving shoppers a preview of the sparkling show which opens at Lytham's Lowther Pavilion on January 13.

More than 100 local children will take part in the final performance, staged in association with Rainbow Studios, featuring budding star Rachael McCormick in the lead role.

Regular theatre-goers will recall Rachael dazzled crowds last year with her stunning performance of Dorothy in the Rainbows production of the Wizard of Oz.

The Princess will be portrayed by Kerry Whiteside and renowned local actor, Rod Pothecary, has been cast in the role of Widow Twanky.

For their special Millennium production, the group are planning to stage the Broadway musical Annie, at the Lowther Pavilion in Lytham, from May 17-20 next year.

Auditions for this performance are expected to begin in December.

Other events set to take place in the Square this Saturday include music from the Silver Bell New Orleans Marching Jazz Band, from 11.30am-1pm.

From noon-3pm the Lytham St Annes Round Table will spread festive cheer with a helping hand from Father Christmas and his sleigh.

Karen Hunter and her dance team of children will present a singing and dancing spectacular, from 1.30pm-1.50pm.

Later in the day, from 2.30pm-3.30pm, The Salvation Army brass band will be playing a string of festive tunes.

Tickets for Aladdin cost £5 (adults) and £3.50 (concessions) from Rainbow Studios, in Haven Road, Lytham, every Saturday, from 10am-5pm or on (01253) 782276.

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