The cast of this year’s fun-filled Eastbourne family pantomime Aladdin will say “Open Sesame” to the doors of the Devonshire Park Theatre rehearsal halls this week as the cast assemble in town for the first time prior to the pantomime opening on 13 December, and running until 12 January 2014.
Sean Williamson, of Extras and EastEnders fame, will transform into favourite baddie Abanazaar, the south’s most popular pantomime dame Martyn Knight becomes Widow Twankey, funny man Tucker prepares to entertain as side-kick Wishee-Washee and West End star Charlene Ford gets ready for her quest as Aladdin.
The stage is going to be transformed into Peking laundry and glittering cave and, not forgetting of course, the magic carpet ride! Writer and director of Eastbourne’s pantos Chris Jordan said: “Many of our audience members tell us that nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like Eastbourne Panto. That’s our drive to make sure we, the cast and creative team, consistently give great performances and that means constantly challenging ourselves to bring more superb music, jaw-dropping costumes and of course the surprise elements that the whole family can enjoy.”
Pantomime is a particular highlight in the theatre calendar, with the show created especially for Eastbourne the whole theatre complex becomes a buzzing hive of activity, with props being made in the Floral Hall, and the Devonshire Park Halls becoming rehearsal spaces.
Tickets for Aladdin are ‘flying out’, with a number of shows already sold out. Tickets are priced from just £12 with no booking fee. The pantomime is at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from 13 December until 12 January, to book call the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.
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