Nottingham Playhouse ready for a panto spectacular with Aladdin
Nottingham Playhouse has announced the cast for this year’s pantomime Aladdin.
Can the plucky Aladdin prove himself to the Princess?
And will the wicked sorcerer get his hands on the legendary lamp?
With the help of a hilarious genie and some panto magic, anything is possible.
Nottingham’s favourite local dame John Elkington returns to grace the stage with his trademark cheek as the infamous Widow Twankey.
Danny Hendrix also returns as the plucky Aladdin, as does Bradley Judge as the hapless Wishy Washy and Lara Sas also makes a welcome return, as the Spirit of the Ring/Ruler.
The role of Abanazar is being job-shared by the returning Tom Hopcroft and newcomer Thomas Levi.
The job-share is part of Nottingham Playhouse’s commitment as a member of Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA), which aims to support parents and carers to stay creative, connected and in their careers while caring.
Job-sharing the role of Abanazar will enable Tom to be a part of Aladdin whilst also delivering on his caring responsibilities.
He said: “I’m so pleased to be returning to Nottingham Playhouse this year and incredibly grateful to the theatre for offering me the role of Abanazar as a job share.
"Panto at the Nottingham Playhouse is incredibly special and it means so much to be part of it while still having precious time with my family over Christmas.
“Job shares like this are so important for performers with parental responsibilities and I’m thrilled Nottingham Playhouse is making that possible.”
Two further newcomers join the Playhouse panto cast this year are Eloise Runnette as the Genie of the Lamp/PC World, while Mary Suarez, in her first pantomime, plays the feisty Princess Jasmine.
The local talent continues with an energetic cast of 14 local youngsters who will appear as the young chorus, playing everything from market stall holders to Aladdin’s servants – and penguins.
The young chorus members were recruited through a process of open auditions and are: Team Ariel – Lee Clulow, Harry Keiller, Lexie-Star Cragg, Madelyn Johnson, Sophia Li, Isabella Gunby and Molly Price (reserve/swing) and Team Persil – Louie Chulan-Smith, Harley Knight, Caoilinn McGee, Charis Wong, Amayah Watson, Isobel Savage and Isla Walsh (reserve/swing).
Adam Penford, Playhouse artistic director and writer and director of Aladdin, said: “Watching the Nottingham Playhouse pantomime is an annual tradition for over 40,000 people each year.
"The production is made in the city by our team of talented craftspeople, from the sparkling backcloths to the props and incredible costumes.
"This year, we have a great balance of returning actors who the audience already know and love, and fresh, new faces.
"For the first time on panto, the role of Abanazar will be shared by two actors, part of Nottingham Playhouse's commitment to assisting parents and carers who work as freelancers in the theatre industry.
“Aladdin is one of the best pantos – the perfect balance of comedy, magic, romance and adventure.
"We've even splashed out on a state-of-the-art magic carpet that will send our Aladdin soaring.”
Join us on a wild ride to a magical far-off land, for the astounding adventure of Aladdin!
Aladdin runs from Friday, November 27 to Saturday, January 16.
Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk to book