A hearty combination of the world’s greatest tennis tournament and the lovable Wombles means Wimbledon is already on the map, but this year there has been yet another reason for SW19 to be a top talking point – its panto.

Ever since Pamela Anderson was announced as just one of the stars to be gracing the stage of the New Wimbledon Theatre for its festive production of Aladdin, the venue and the pantomime have been talk of the town.

But with Anderson not playing the role of the genie until December 15, it was the remarkable Ruby Wax who was left to entertain the crowds who flocked to see Aladdin on Saturday afternoon.

Children, adults, grandparents and theatre lovers alike were all entertained by the American’s sharp wit and undeniable presence as the Genie of the Lamp.

Following her grand entrance towards the end of the first half – flying down dressed in a shocking pink number, shouting at the stage crew as she missed her “stop”– she had the audience in stitches, and kept them that way for another hour and a half.

Brian Blessed, panto matriarch, did not fail to impress as the evil Abanazar, although his booming voice did frighten the children sitting behind me who would check through the safety of their fingers that he had left the stage.

Ashley Day, who toured with High School Musical, put in a solid performance as the lovable Aladdin while his brother, Wishy Washy Twanky kept the kids entertained with shouts of “how you diddling kids”.

But in many ways it was Aladdin’s mum Widow Twanky who was the backbone of the show, providing all the essential ingredients of a pantomime – innuendo, shocking outfits, a husky singing voice and a stream of jokes.

Pop songs kept the narrative up to date with the well choreographed company routines giving the full company the opportunity to shine.

Even the X Factor’s much-talked about twins Jedward made an appearance when two dancers dressed up as Ghostbusters and spiked their hair skywards to imitate their now infamous performance on the talent show.

At two hours and 20 minutes the performance for me was too long and took some time to get going. But when it did, it did so in style.

Peppered with local references, including a very apt comment about the ineptitude of the 93 bus, the pantomime made the crowd feel right at home in what has essentially become a nationally talked about show.

Aladdin, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, December 7 to January 10, various times, £15 to £30. Call 0844 871 7646 or visit ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon.