MY first question to Wimborne-based Ron Martin is ‘which stars will be appearing in Weymouth’s pantomime this year?’ The answer is ‘none’, and that’s something Ron is exceptionally proud of.

He says his priority is to put on a professional production which doesn’t cost ‘£125’ for a family of four to watch.

Aladdin comes to Weymouth Pavilion courtesy of the Pavilion, Ron Martin Management & Born2Perform.

Last year was the first year Weymouth Pavilion staged a Ron Martin Management panto and although no big names were in the cast, a little known entertainer called Stevi Ritchie appeared on the stage as Buttons.

Flash forward a year and The X Factor’s Ritchie has made the big time. He is about to embark on a national tour, during which he will perform in front of thousands.

Ron said he hopes his pantos are where the stars of tomorrow are starting out.

“We have a really good cast this year and Lee Redwood as Widow Twankey is definitely one to watch.

“We also want to give talented local people a chance.

“I watched Charlotte Allen go from the chorus to a principal part in our summer panto Pirates of the Pavilion.

“The way we look at pantomimes is that it is the production people are coming to see rather than ‘the stars’ and we don’t use names.

“I use professional actors who can do things properly. If you get someone from a soap or from reality television they cannot do it.

“On a wet Tuesday afternoon when you’re going to take your children to see a pantomime you don’t want to spend £125.

“I try to keep my prices down and concentrate on a really good production. Everyone comes and has a wonderful time.”

Aladdin started yesterday and runs until January 4.

Paul Ewen, who is playing Wishee Washee, will be swapping his Boeing 757 for a magical flying carpet.

Paul has worked in entertainment for holiday resorts worldwide and is no stranger to pantomime.

After a gap of no work he took to the skies with Thomson Airways as a member of the cabin crew.

Not only will Aladdin boast a magic carpet, it will also feature a CGI Genie and ‘on stage enchantment’.

Ron said: “I think Aladdin is so popular because of the Disney thing. We played it in Wimborne last year and it was very popular.

“The panto is a great adventure with lots of comedy.”

Ron was once a stand-up comedian who worked all over the world and says it is very special for him to be returning to Weymouth Pavilion.

He said he is very impressed with how the theatre has progressed since it was handed over from the council to the community.

“I think Phil Say has done a good job there. The Pavilion has become very very busy.

“I know the place from years ago being a performer myself and it is great what the volunteers are doing.

“They are all part of the show and they’ve all been getting involved.

“There’s a wonderful atmosphere at the Pavilion. Last year the panto was excellent and broke all box office records and this year we hope it will be even better.

“I think Weymouth people are great and we’re so pleased to be doing the panto there again. It’s like coming home for me.

“Last year the ticket sales started off slowly and increased through word of mouth.

“I like to talk to people and it’s incredible how far some of them travel to see it.”

Ron said he keeps a close eye on as many pantos as possible to see what his rivals are doing.

“I don’t go to all of them myself but I send people who can feed back to me.

“I’m passionate about pantomime and I won’t let my production take any shortcuts.

“For many children this is their first visit to the theatre and it needs to be special.”

Ron says it is very hard to choose his favourite pantomime but Peter Pan and Cinderella would probably be in the running.

“I love panto, it’s such a special time of year it’s great to see people getting into it and children dressing up as pantomime characters.

“I like to keep an eye on what’s going on with my pantos and the most important thing for me is to make sure everybody’s happy and everybody’s having fun.”

PETER PAN: The Electric Palace, Bridport December 31 to January 3.

This enchanting tale of Peter Pan is brought magically to life with stunning sets, spectacular costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning flying sequences.

It starts on Wednesday.

Pantos in the county

PETER PAN: Bournemouth Pavilion December 6 to January 4 Starring Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood, Mark Benton of Waterloo Road and 2013 Strictly Come Dancing and Wave 105 presenter Kate Weston.

ROBIN HOOD: Lighthouse, Poole December 5 to January 4 Starring CBBC’s Ed Petrie and Game of Thrones actor Patrick O’Kane.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne December 19 to January 3 Brotherhood of Man’s Nicky Stevens is playing the role of the wicked queen.

CINDERELLA: Mowlem Theatre, Swanage January 9, 10, 17 and 17 Swanage Drama Company tell the well-loved tale of Cinderella and he nasty step-sister.

ROBIN HOOD: Regent Centre, Christchurch January 17 to 24 Performed by the wonderful Highcliffe Charity Players.