Roger Hall’s Aladdin: The Pantomime

Roger Hall’s Aladdin: The Pantomime

Songs by Paul Jenden and Michael Nicholas Williams
Directed by Susan Wilson

A wonderful night of magic and fun!

A musical, magical, spectacular treat that keeps young and old entertained and laughing, Aladdin is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. In the best of panto traditions Aladdin has hilarious topical jokes, comic antics, bright lively music, amazing costumes and of course, plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved and join the fun.

Aladdin opens at CIRCA Theatre on Saturday 19th November at 8pm

Aladdin has always been an audience favourite – and in this year’s brand new production Gavin Rutherford is relishing the chance to play the greatest of great Dames.

“The big one!” says Gavin. “When it comes to pantomime dames there is no more famous character than Widow Twankey and it is my privilege to be playing her this year. Roger Hall places us firmly in old Arabee (which is closer to Wellington than one might think) and lets us into the weird world of Twankey's laundry full of “the noble classes’ dainties and the neighbour’s old grundies.”

“As anyone who knows me will attest, these are grounds on where I thrive.

Having played Mother Hood last year (in Robin Hood) the challenge comes from making Widow Twankey a different person while still retaining the fuller figure elements that made Trelisse Hood so appealing. Widow Twankey is a bit more worldly-wise in her machinations as she struggles to attain the upper middle class status she so richly deserves - and, of course, in her pursuit of a man!

“This year’s panto is packed full of Wellington's best performers so the energy in the rehearsal room is frantic and hilarious. Audiences will get on a fast-paced carpet ride of song, dance and silliness filled with romance, magic and “blimmen good-night-outness!”.

“The magic and characters are a huge hit with the kids and some of the best experiences we have during a panto are when the children are allowed to come up onstage. The shrieking adult laughter at the usual naughty jokes and subversive satire and the joy of the kids makes our large amount of sweat and energy more than worthwhile. “

Aladdin stars a fabulous cast of - GAVIN RUTHERFORD AS WIDOW TWANKEY, LYNDEE-JANE RUTHERFORD, JESSICA ROBINSON, RICHARD CHAPMAN, NICK DUNBAR, JEFF KINGSFORD-BROWN, LOUIS SOLINO, with music maestro MICHAEL NICHOLAS WILLIAMS, and costumes and choreography by PAUL JENDEN. And this year, there is even more magic, thanks to the very special help of Feilding magician, ANDREW WILSON.

“Fast paced, packed with songs and topical jokes … the audience joined in with gusto- a fun night out” – Dominion Post (Aladdin)

“Full of the joys of the festive season … do yourselves and the kids a favour and go!” – Theatreview (Aladdin)

“A great way to introduce kids to the magic of theatre … easily the ideal Xmas outing for the holidays ... a treat” - Salient (Red Riding Hood)

“You can’t wish for more!” – Capital Times (Aladdin)

Circa Theatre: 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington

19th NOVEMBER – 23rd DECEMBER 2011 and 3rd – 14th JANUARY 2012

Performance times:

19th NOVEMBER – 23rd DECEMBER 2011
Tuesday to Thursday - 6.30pm
Friday & Saturday - 8pm
Sunday - 4pm

3rd – 14th JANUARY 2012
Tuesday , Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 6.30pm
Sunday - 4pm

$25 PREVIEW - Friday 18th November- 8pm

$25 SUNDAY SPECIAL - Sunday 20th November – 4pm

Prices

Adults: $46
Students, Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries: $38
Groups (6+): $39
Under 25s: $25
Children: $15
Family Ticket – 2 adults plus 2 children: $107

Bookings

Circa Theatre: 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington
Phone 801 7992
www.circa.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media