SNOW may have crippled most of the country this month, but the show must go on in Essex this week, as the Theydon Bois Drama Society opens with its production of Aladdin at the Theydon Bois Village Hall tonight.

Speaking about the ‘adverse weather conditions’, chairman Martin Oliver tells me: “It has been very worrying and it is a concern, but it hasn’t stopped us getting in for rehearsals and we spent all weekend clubbing in together and building the sets. The show will go on.”

Martin, who is looking forward to making the children boo and hiss in his guise as the baddie Abanazar, adds: “The hall is very much a community centre and it’s a good opportunity for the village and families to get together.”

Staying with tradition, Juliet Dover will star as the principal boy and Dave Bennett will be “dressed to the nines” as Widow Twankey.

Aladdin runs at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Essex, from Thursday, January 14 to Saturday, January 16, 8pm. Matinee on Saturday, 2pm. Tickets: 01992 812250 (£7/£4 children under 12)