JANUARY in Knutsford means that it is panto time (oh yes it is) and Knutsford Little Theatre once again offer traditional entertainment which promises to be fun for all the family.

This year the choice is Ali Baba and Some Thieves – we can’t really say 40 because there are only 35 when we start and this is further reduced by the execution happy Mustapha.

Hannah Lynes stars as Ali, the boy besotted with slave girl Safiya, played by Charlotte James, but unable to marry her until he buys her freedom from his nasty sister-in-law, Sharon, played by Sarah Lorenz.

Even when Ali chances upon a coin in the street, Sharon refuses to release Safiya, insisting that Huma, her sister played by Millie Graham, must also be purchased as part of the deal.

So the adventure begins as Ali’s brother, Sharon’s husband, Cassim played by Gary Edwards, Ali and Kamil, the family camel, seek the riches that they require.

Mike Wilding plays Mustapha, the Chief Thief who has a cave full of treasure that Ali happens to find and he despatches his generals Yessir and Nossir, played by Sean Duvall and Bob Jennings, to deal with the intruders It is poor Cassim who ends up getting rather “cut up” over it all and the services of Fab Rick the tailor, played by David Muncaster, are put to rather unusual use.

Presiding over all this mayhem is Mum Baba played by Ian Graham who just wants everyone to be happy.

Well that, and a man.

Will she get what she wants? Well, this is panto. Other parts are played by Alice Graham, Beatrice Broughton, Evie James, Ciara York, Daisy Boardman, Molly Gilbert and Olivia Hope all of whom ensure that the fun never stops.

With music provided by musical director Mike Wilding and everything done to the theatre’s usual very high standard, Ali Baba and Some Thieves is sure to bring some post-Christmas cheer.

The panto runs Thursday, January 19 to Saturday, January 21 and Thursday, January 26 to Saturday, January 28 at 7pm.

Matinees take place on Saturday, January 21 and January 28 at 2pm and on Sunday 22 at 11.30am and 3.30pm.

Tickets on Thursday, January 19 are first night '2 for 1'.

Tickets available from the Knutsford Little Theatre website at knutsfordlittletheatre.com.