THE talented casts of two Rhyl dance schools will take to the stage with and Emmerdale star for this year's Christmas Panto at the Rhyl Pavilion.

Following auditions, 16 young dancers will take part in the festive as the principal chorus from next Wednesday, December 12 with Aladdin.

Joining Jonathan Wrather - best known as Emmerdale’s Pierce Harris - as 'baddie' Abanazer are young performers from Adele Harris' Gay Harris Dancers and the North Wales School of Dancing (NWSD).

The Gay Harris dancers have been providing teams of Juvenile dancers for the Pantomime since the Pavilion opened in 1991, and this year will provide a team of eight children to the production, which began rehearsals on November 29.

The eight strong team includes Emme Brown, Evie Sedgwick, Emily Griffiths, Erin Hughes, Freya McKenna, Maddison Booker, Olivia Maitland Price and Victoria Colquitt.

Sharing on stage duties with Ms Harris' dancers are eight morejuvenile dancers from the NWSD, who will alternate performances with the other school, as well as former student Bethan Jones and senior principal Beth Roberts.

Lisa Messham, principal, of NWSD said: "I'm very proud of each of the eight juvenile dancers that have been selected, they are very privileged to have their chance to take part in the panto."

Chris Davies, father of NWSD pupil Ella-Rae Davies, 10, said: "My daughter and her friend Evie Carr have worked sao hard for the show, they are reheasring every night when they come home from school, as well as on any days off and the weekend.

"I'm immensely proud of what all the girls have achieved and would also like to thank all the dance mums and dads for all their support."

In addition to Ella-Rae and Evie, the NWSD team includes Ava Tudbull, Lillia Wade, Freya Bill, Ffion Johnson, Eleanor Jones and Ella Newell Roberts.

Also starring this year are David Perkins as Aladdin, Gemma Naylor from Nick Jnr’s Go! Go! Go! as Princess Jasmine and Denbigh born actor Sean Jones as Wishee Washee.

Aladdin runs from Wednesday, December 12 to Saturday, January 5. Tickets are £1, available by calling the box office on 01745 330000 or via rhylpavilion.co.uk.