Even if Bradford panto bosses had a magic lamp, they could not wish for a better start to the festive season.

The city's panto spectacular Aladdin, which opens tomorrow at the Alhambra, is on course to be the most successful on record with audiences already snapping up an amazing 60,000 tickets.

Alhambra general manager John Botteley said that the show's advance box office takings were the best the theatre had ever seen. He said: "The tickets are going very, very well. It's the best sales we've had in recent history.

"The best we've had in recent times was Peter Pan two years ago. Last year was good as well but just a little behind. But this year we've already overtaken Peter Pan, which is fantastic. We seem to be going from strength to strength.

"We're expecting about 90,000 people to come through our doors over the next seven weeks to see the show."

And Mr Botteley believes Aladdin, which stars a host of showbusiness celebrities including veteran comics Cannon and Ball, Goodness Gracious Me star Kulvinder Ghir, Heartbeat beauty Tricia Penrose, and children's favourite Sooty, will prove once more that Bradford is the pinnacle when it comes it comes to panto. He said: "I've just been to see a rehearsal and it's looking absolutely superb. We're very lucky that we've got a great cast that appeals to everyone.

"A lot of people will come to see Cannon and Ball, the kids want to come and see Sooty, and Kulvinder will attract a whole new audience who have seen him on Goodness Gracious Me.

"I normally go around and look at a few other pantos and it's very rare that I find one anywhere near as good as ours. And I'm not just saying that because I work here.

"Pantomime has been a fantastic tradition in Bradford for more than 90 years and we simply do it better than everyone else." Bradford Council executive committee member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said the show's success was a huge boost for Bradford.

She said: "I'm going on the opening night and really looking forward to it. The Alhambra has always been a proud home for panto and this year is no exception.

"The numbers of people who will be coming from outside the city to see it will be a invaluable boost to our economy."