The United Kingdom, UK, theatre production company, Paul Holman Associates (PHA), is treating audiences to a hilarious anglicised version of one of Arabia’s favourite tales at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which is taking place at the Sharjah Expo Centre until 11 November.

Although the production’s Director, Paul Winterfold – who also plays the main villain – says the story of Aladdin stays fairly true to the iconic 1,001 Arabian Nights original, there is definitely a twist in the tale.

"It is essentially a pantomime version with extremely exaggerated characters in a much shorter timeframe but the essence is there and we wanted to keep that," he revealed.

The troupe, which is based in Ruislip, West London, has come to the UAE exclusively to perform at SIBF during its four-day run, coinciding with the UK as SIBF’s national Guest of Honour for 2017.