IT looked like a certain young man was about to lose his head in Moray Street at the weekend – but luckily for him the executioner's axe was made of lightweight plastic and couldn't even break a twig.

It was, of course, just a scene from Aladdin which the Wick Players amateur drama club is busily rehearsing at its headquarters in the town.

Producing this year's pantomime is the dynamic duo of Jenny Szyfelbain and Allan Bruce, stalwarts of amateur dramatics in the town.

"Everybody's energy within the club has been put in to staging this production of Aladdin," Allan said.

"At Christmas time, we all love a family pantomime so we're putting everything into it this year."

Some of the usual suspects will be seen on stage as well as some old faces making a welcome return. The often unsung heroes of the backstage crew include Brian Yellop, David Hornsby and Duncan Robertson.

Musical compositions have been put together by Richard Smith who is working with Beth Cormack from the North Coast Fiddlers.

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"The songs are actually well-known pop songs and suchlike but I do my own spin on them," Richard said.

"Beth plays a few different instruments throughout and she's a great all-round talent."

Richard will be playing various instruments himself in the production but will be mainly on keyboards.

Lorna Sinclair is back on board making "fantastic costumes", Allan said.

"Andrew Craigie has come back too and he's always very popular playing the dame.

"He's a great actor, winning awards, and it's fantastic to see what he's doing with the younger ones by passing on some of his knowledge and expertise."

The acting ensemble has been working flat out from the end of August and the production will have a chorus working under Clare Sturrock and dancers from the Elise Lyall school.

Aladdin will be on at Wick Assembly Rooms from Wednesday, December 4, until Saturday, December 7.

Tickets, costing £10 and £8, are on sale at Wick Players' club rooms in Moray Street this Saturday (November 23) from 2pm to 4pm.

After that they can be purchased from The Flower Patch in River Street.

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