Panto rehearsals have been keeping Emma and I busy over the last few months as we head to the back room of Tesco in Addlestone for our bi-weekly rehearsals - it's all glamour in the am dram world, you know!

We are part of the RATS theatre group in Addlestone and this year's production of Aladdin, which is being performed at the Addlestone Centre on 11 and 12 December.

We made our debut with RATS last year for Sleeping Beauty, which was very well received, and we loved it so much we returned.

It's funny how I get talked into things when I have guests on my radio show: RATS came on in 2025 to promote a previous production and hinted they needed more cast members for Sleeping Beauty. Emma and I went to meet them and the rest is history!

I must take my hat off to the main cast, who have so many lines to remember and then coordinate that with dance and remembering what side of the stage to be on - no mean feat.

I admit I am not the world's greatest actor or dancer but that doesn't matter; our parts in the chorus are just as important in supporting the production.

There is such a joy in amateur theatre; Emma and I have built a circle of friends from different backgrounds - people we may not have crossed paths with otherwise.

The show itself has given me a few more lines than last year - I play a potential suitor for the princess, and my character has a keen interest in spotting otters and writing sightings in his book. The Royal Otter Spotter and Jotter is a mouthful to say!

The production is fun and silly with the usual gags and humour you would expect from pantomime. We have had a lot of fun putting it together.

It's so heartening to see the tradition of panto alive and well in the modern world. It is that first experience of live theatre for many younger audience members and something the whole family can watch together. Mums and dads can smile at innuendos which go over the children's heads.

Tickets for amateur productions are always a budget friendly option with a family ticket to our show costing under £40. Money from ticket sales goes back into the group.

We are always looking for new members both on stage and off to get involved in future productions. It could be the perfect way to connect with your community! Seach RATS Addlestone on social media to find out more.

Why not come and see us in Aladdin at the Addlestone Centre with performances at 7.30pm on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December. There is a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets from www.ticketsource.com/ratsdrama

Listen to my radio shows on Radio Woking: Sunday 9am – noon; Wednesday 7-9am. Life On The Edge every second Sunday at noon with Edge Ahead UK.

You can hear Emma and I on Surrey Hills Community Radio every second Monday at 9pm and Life on the Edge airs every first Monday at 10am.

Send me a voice note – www.speakpipe.com/jonandrews or email [email protected]