FAMILY favourites the Chuckle Brothers will help conjure up a festive feast of pantomime magic, in Aladdin, at the Cliffs Pavilion this Christmas.

The children's TV stars promise plenty of laughs, playing Wishee and Washee, at the Westcliff theatre, between Friday, December 5, and Sunday, January 4, 2009.

They will be joined on stage by Any Dream Will Do contestant Chris Crosby, in the title role, and a computer-generated 3D Genie, who will fly around the auditorium.

The audience will be invited to wear 3D glasses during the show, bringing to life not only the Genie, but also Aladdin's cave of riches and a magic carpet ride.

"We love panto season and are so pleased to be back at the Cliffs Pavilion," said Paul Elliott, 60, one half of the Chuckle Brothers.

"This show went on a national tour last year and we had a great time in front of packed out audiences. We are looking forward to having just as much fun spending Christmas in Southend."

His brother Barry Elliott, 63, also said he was looking forward to the shows.

He said: "There will be plenty of laughs and lots of making things up as we go along.

"Panto season isn't always about following the script - it's about having a good time with a live audience, making sure everybody leaves the theatre happy."

The duo's Chucklevision show celebrated its 20th birthday this year.

Chris Crosby, 20 who lost out to Southend's Lee Mead in the BBC's Joseph talent search, will join the brothers on stage.

He said: "It's great for me to work with Paul and Barry, who have so much experience in the entertainment industry. I'm going to learn a lot."

The revamped £21.5million Victoria Shopping Centre, in Southend High Street, is sponsoring the panto.

Last year's record-breaking panto, Cinderella, starring Joe Pasquale, was watched by more than 63,000 people, enjoying box office takings of more than £1million.

Full Chuckle Brothers interview in Wednesday's Echo