Cast of Jordan Productions’ Aladdin take to streets of Newark as pantomime set to return to Newark Palace Theatre this Christmas season from December 6, to December 31
The magic of panto is ready to return for another year of festive fun as the cast of Aladdin fly into Newark on a magic carpet.
The colourful characters took a stroll around the town centre this week to drum up excitement for the Newark Palace Theatre’s annual pantomime, which will be entertaining the masses from Friday, December 6, to Tuesday, December 31.
Following the success of last year’s production of Snow White, Jordan Productions promises to get audiences of all ages into the Christmas spirit, with plenty of laughter, love, a genie, and even a flying carpet.
Emma Marsh takes on the titular role of Aladdin in her second year as the much loved character.
She said: “Panto to me is about having fun, but it is also how many of us had our first theatrical experiences. So I want to go out on that stage and make it as magical an experience as possible.
“Aladdin is a spectacle — it’s one of the best stories in panto because you don’t need to take it too seriously and has something for everyone.”
Emma will be acting opposite newcomer Giannine Tan, who will be making her professional debut as Princess Jasmine.
She said: “I’m from the Phillipines, so I’ve never even seen a panto and this will be a compeltely new experience for me.
“But I’m really excited to do something I’ve never done before and looking forward to telling a story that people really enjoy.”
Trying to get his hands on the magic lamp is the big baddie, Abanazaar, played by experienced stage actor Alex Scott Fairley, who said: “I remember watching Christmas shows when I was young and being spellbound.
“That’s what panto is all about. We tell the simplest of stories but in a way that both kids and adults can enjoy, and the audience becomes a character in the show.”
Danny Childs, who will play Aladdin’s brother Wishi Washi, agreed, saying: “It’s going to be silly, but we’re inviting the audience to be silly with us too.
“It’s so much fun and the perfect excuse to break away from the regular day to day.”
The obligatory Buttons-esque character will be played by Paul O’Niell, who culvated his comedic chops touring the world in a stage production of Faulty Towers.
He said: “Panto is an essential part of creating that magic in the run up to Christmas. It’s a very British tradition and one of the few traditions that is still going strong.
“A lot of people take their kids along because they went when they were young and have great memories, so it keeps everything alive.”
The show’s director Phil Stewart is also doubling as this year’s Dame, Widow Twankey, promising to bring plenty of slapstick humour and double enterntres.
Phil, who also directed last year’s production of Snow White, had high praise for the Palace Theatre and said he liked Newark so much he decided to come back.
“I love the venue, it’s a wonderful theatre, with brilliant front of house and technitions, but most of all it’s a great town,” said Phil.
“I can’t wait to be back this Christmas because our show is big, it’s bold, and full of spectacular surprises too.”
Aladdin will be playing morning, afternoon and evenings shows throughout December at Newark Palace Theatre, starting December 6 and running through to New Year’s Eve. Only December 11, 18, and Christmas Day will feature no performances.
