A dash of Disney dedication will help bring some added sparkle and magic to Aladdin.

This Christmas, the festive fun will be handed out in Aladdin at The Octagon Theatre until January 6, 2019.

The Disney dynamism will be added by Thom Ford who will be returning to the theatre for a second year on the trot this time as Abanazar, following his appearance last Christmas as Dandini in Cinderella.

Explaining this Disney touch, Thom said: “In rehearsals I feel I bring that strong work ethic which is more of an American style.

“This is not being big headed, it is what I am used to which is get it done as quickly as you can, known your lines and get it all polished.

“If you do this it makes the performance look more slick and it is what I am used to with Disney.”

The next question on your lips should be how does a lad from Crewkerne get to be working for Disney.

The answer is as Thom said ‘one of being in the right place at the right time’.

Explaining how this leap from Somerset set to state side occurred he said: “I went to Wadham School and then onto Yeovil College. I worked in amateur dramatics and enjoyed what I was doing so i went to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts for three years.

“I did acting jobs here there and everywhere before becoming part of a musical sketch comedy group - Four Screws Loose.

“Getting involved with Disney happened by being in the right place at the right time. I was in the same building where auditions were being held for Disney so I thought I would give it and go and the next thing you know I am working for Disney.”

What Thom does is work on the cruise liners which have elaborate Disney musicals.

Thom as he said as he is a Brit he gets all the villain roles and baddies which is fine by him as it allows him to be over the top.

His over the top side will be out and about when he appears as Abanazar.

He said: “I hope people who come along to the panto enjoy it. This years script is gag, gag, gag with more gags. There are also spectacular song and dance numbers.”

The extrovert side to Thom’s personality is ably demonstrated as when asked to name a song which encapsulates him he said: “Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen.

As it’s opening lyrics state:

“Tonight, I’m gonna have myself a real good time, I feel alive and the world I’ll turn it inside out, yeah, And floating around in ecstasy, So don’t stop me now don’t stop me ‘Cause I’m having a good time, having a good time.”

One of the actors who Thom will be joining on stage is Jonny Purchase who is best known for Les Misérables (2012), One More Kiss Dear (2012) and A Sure Moment (2011).

This Yeovil lad, is back in his home town this time in the role of Aladdin. The last time he was in his home town theatre was in 2012 when he appeared as Prince Charming in Cinderella.

Jonny said: “We had so much fun in rehearsals and the script is full of jokes. I think people will have great fun watching this panto. The first panto I remember as a youngster was Aladdin which was at the Octagon, but I think I recall watching one at Westlands.”

As an actor, Jonny always had an interest in acting and the stage but it was one which did not bloom until he was 16-years-old.

He said: “My sister was always interested in acting and I used to appear in school plays which I enjoyed. It did help my confidence but I didn’t take it seriously until I was 16-years-old. A theatre company came to school and speaking to them they told me I should give acting a go.

“It was only a few weeks away from going to college and I had planned to do a computer course but flipped it on its head and decided to take up acting and headed off to Guildford School of Acting for three years.”

Jonny said he has and is loving every minute of his career but said no one told him when he was at drama school how hard it would be to make his break through.

He said once it came he was able to enjoy things and since he has a partner and a child he has to think what is best for ‘them’ and not just for ‘him’.

In order for Jonny to be Jonny the actor, he said he has stayed true to himself.

“I do not take things too seriously, I keep my feet on the ground and just stay true to myself.

“I hope everyone who comes along enjoys the pantomime.

“I hope they all leave with smile son their faces feeling they have been fully entertained by all the cast.”

Tickets for Aladdin on sale online at octagon-theatre.co.uk or by calling 01935 422884.