Dartmouth Players bring you the amazing pantomime 'Aladdin' in The Flavel Theatre, Dartmouth from the 28th to 31st December.  Aladdin is the Players' 215th production and is based on a tale included in the book 'A Thousand and One Nights' by French translator Antoine Galland, published in 1710.  It has been a popular subject for panto since the 18th century, with possibly the best known pantomime character of Widow Twankey (Aladdin's mother).  This year's 'Twankey' is played by Andy Killen (one of last year's Ugly Sisters) who is definitely the 'dame' of the show.  Gil Garland plays Abanazar, the wicked magician with style (and a brilliant accent) and you'll be rooting for Aladdin (Lesley Ash) and his princess (Emily Thomas) to overcome his evil ways!  Full of fun and colour, this is a 'must see' production.  For information on performance times and tickets click here or call into The Flavel (01803 839530)

2.  Christmas Party this Friday 23rd

James Brown from Browns Hotel reports:  We're looking forward to the party on Friday, whether you are coming to eat or if you have just arranged to meet at the bar! Remember this is a party so dress to impress! Disco dancing from 9:30.

If you have booked to eat we will be serving the starter standing around the bar from 7:15pm.  Don't arrive too late or you are likely to miss out!  We will sit everyone down at about 8pm for a bowl of steak chilli. We would like to know how many vegetarians we need to cater for, so please could you let us know by phone or email.  Optional desserts will be available.  We hope to have the tables cleared down for some serious dancing from 9:30pm. To book call 01803 832572

We will clear each table's tab at the end of the meal and then operate a cash bar from 9:30. We hope this will make it easier for everyone as I am sure people will want to move around. The bar is open as usual with complimentary tapas available from 5-7pm. If you just want to come in for a drink or dance you are more than welcome.

Remember if you just want to have some drinks and a dance you do not have to book.

3.  Celebrate New Year’s Eve  

Where better to celebrate New Year’s Eve than at The Royal Castle Hotel!

Last few remaining tickets available for our New Year's Eve Party : £25.00 per ticket to include: a welcome drink : £5.00 barfood meal voucher : 50% off of all drinks until 8.00pm! (excluding bottles of wine and champagne) : Complimentary breakfast served from 1.00am and a fantastic party atmosphere!

Purchase your ticket from Reception or call 01803 833033

4.   Small News

• A South Hams District Council spokesman said: “The Dartmouth Lower Ferry runs as normal apart from Christmas Day when there is no ferry at all. On December 26 it runs between 10.00 hours and 16.55 hours from Dartmouth and the only other change is New Year’s Day when the times are as for December 26.
   

• The Revd Will Hazlewood invites you to celebrate the birth of Christ in the parishes of Dartmouth and Dittisham.  Our services are open to all and you will find a warm welcome whenever you come.
  
  Tomorrow (Friday 23 December) sees the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols  in St Saviour's Church at 7.30pm
  
  On Christmas Eve there is a Crib service in St Clement's Church at 4.30pm, perfect for children and families; Midnight Mass is celebrated in St Saviour's Church at 11.30pm, while at Dittisham there is a service of carols and readings in St George's Church at 11.15pm.
  
  On Christmas Day in Dartmouth there is an early morning Holy Communion service at 8.00am in St Clement's; Holy Communion and Hymns (BCP) at 9.30am in St Petrox Church and Sung Eucharist at 11.00am in St Saviour's Church. In Dittisham the Sung Eucharist is at 9.15am.
  
  We look forward to meeting you at our services.

• Friends of Bayards Cove carol service is tonight at 6.30pm
   

• Johnny Chick's snow machine will be taking part in carols on Bayards Cove  on Christmas Eve from 5pm - will you be there? bring a torch so you can read the carol sheets!
   

• Join our Dartmouth News Facebook page and read things  you never knew about Dartmouth!  Click on the logo or click here.  Or if you are travelling it's simply www.facebook.com/DartmouthNews  nothing more !

Why not come and visit Dartmouth?

• Self catering accommodation click here
   
• Dartmouth B and B  click here
   
• Dartmouth Hotels click here
   
• A Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here
   
• Shopping in Dartmouth click here

Images copyright  Dave Cawley,  Andy Kyle,  & others.