If there were any traces of opening night nerves for the performance of Aladdin - the Alhambra's 90th pantomime - they did not show at the cast's final dress rehearsal.

All performers, including Cannon and Ball, Tricia Penrose, pictured - who plays barmaid Gina Ward in ITVs Heartbeat - and Kulvinder Ghir, of Goodness Gracious Me fame, ran through the whole show yesterday without a fluffed line... Or perhaps there were - because the beauty of this panto is the cast's ability to ad-lib and make mistakes part of the fun.

Bobby Ball, who plays a Chinese policeman with co-star Tommy Cannon, entered the stage and greeted an empty auditorium with the question: "What are all these people doing in my dressing room? Have they paid?" before launching into a scene with Tommy Cannon and Channel 4's Countdown theme tune as backing music (don't ask!)

He then accosted Aladdin with the line: "Stop there or you'll be geography!" to which he replied: "Don't you mean history?" and Bobby followed up with: "Stop changing the subject!"

Even technical staff from the theatre who had seen the performance countless times could not suppress a giggle.

Of course, the panto did not have the same effect with a few theatre staff, one reporter and a photographer shouting: "He's behind you!" at the stage and the cast struggling to hear us!

The performance is sure to have children rolling in the aisles as they watch TV favourites Sooty and Sweep appear to be lost down Bobby Ball's tights and star of the show Aladdin being run over by a "lubbish" bin.

The laughs continued as Bobby constantly 'adjusts' his tight tights with the help of Tommy, and the audience are encouraged to shout "Rock on Tommy" each time the pair arrive on stage.

The beautifully-crafted stage and scenery forms the perfect backdrop for John Cusworth (Aladdin) and 'Princess' Tricia's rendition of the song Heartbeat - a sure winner with fans of the Sixties show.

Michael Sharvell-Martin's Widow Twanky raised a smile as he pointed at the sky and told son Aladdin: "Your father's up there!" Aladdin asked: "Where - Heaven?" and Twanky replied: "No - on the roof nicking the lead!"

Yesterday's run-through followed Thursday's technical rehearsal to ensure everyone was in the right place at the right time and didn't fall foul of the 15ft high scenery.

With hits such as Kung-Fu Fighting, One Night in Bangkok and S Club 7's, Reach, and constant quips from the comedy duo, Aladdin promises a song and a laugh for everyone.

Just one thing - can someone point out to Cannon and Ball that it's Heckmondwike... not Heckmondike!