Aladdin the musical opened in the West End last month; but if London is too far to go, here are a few Aladdin Christmas pantomimes your group can see instead.
For anyone not familiar with the 1992 Disney film plot line, Aladdin follows the tale of an impoverished street urchin of the same name, who unwittingly falls in love with a princess and has to go to great lengths to prove himself a worthy partner.
Aladdin includes a hilarious magical genie, a stereotypical baddie and his sidekick, some exotic animals and a happy ending too.
The West End version, which is a product of Broadway, has already proven its popularity by releasing a new wave of tickets, taking the London Aladdin booking period into February 2017. You can read Group Leisure’s review here.
But if London’s too far to go, or pantomime holds more appeal for your group, here are five Aladdin productions that theatre-goers might like to consider seeing this year instead.
1. Salisbury Playhouse
Salisbury Playhouse in Wiltshire will put on Aladdin as its annual Christmas panto from 3rd December to 7th January. It’s been written by Andrew Pollard who created the theatre’s 2015 pantomime, Cinderella.
Casting hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s being directed by Ryan McBryde and designed by Juliet Shillingford. Further details will be announced later on in the year. Audiences should expect song, dance and comedy in this family-friendly production.
Group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more, 20 or more, and 50 or more, and can be booked now.
01722-320333
www.salisburyplayhouse.com
2. The St Helens Theatre Royal
The St Helens Theatre Royal in Liverpool will host Aladdin between 3rd December and 8th January.
The Only Way is Essex stars Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge will be swapping the streets of Brentwood to take on the characters of the Slave of the Ring and PC Noodle respectively.
Pictured: The Aladdin panto cast for St Helens Theatre Royal.
Tickets are available to book now.
01744-756000
www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
3. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
X-Factor winner Joe McElderry will take the lead in the Aladdin Christmas pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it will run between 10th December and 22nd January.
Other confirmed casting includes Lisa Riley as the Slave Of The Ring, CBeebie's Ben Faulks as the chief of Peking police, and internet sensation Doreen Tipton as the Lazy Empress Of China.
4. Playhouse in Whitley Bay
Famous faces such as Jassa Ahluwalia from kid’s show Art Attack and Kirsty Swain from So You Think You Can Dance will star as the character leads in Aladdin at the Playhouse in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, from 5th December until 2nd January.
Additionally, north-east comic Steve Walls will play Wishee Washee, and BBC Radio’s Paul Harris will play Widow Twankey.
The show boasts strobe lighting, lighting flashes and smoke throughout the performance to re-create the setting of the famous Disney classic.
5. Manchester Opera House
Manchester Opera House’s winter showing of Aladdin is reported to be a big one. The show is said to offer plenty of comedy, chart-topping songs, family fun, audience participation, a classic panto baddie and even a real flying carpet.
Famous faces such as Sherrie Hewson, John Thomson, Ben Adams and Eric Potts will all be starring as the show runs between 9th December and 8th January.
(Lead image photo credit: Deen van Meer).
