Theatre Royal launch Aladdin

Danny and Clive are back! Yes its only a few weeks before the panto season hits us again and at the press launch we found out all (well almost all!) about the new production of Aladdin, which will run at the Theatre Royal this Christmas.

Michael Harrison, Producer, Writer and Director of the totally new version of Aladdin (his eighth hit box office smash panto starring Danny and Clive at the Theatre Royal) brought the cast to Newcastle to parade around the streets, stopping the crowds as they went. As usually people are automatically drawn to Danny and Clive, who posed for photos as the procession, which included a theatrical elephant, made its way around Greys Monument.

While there is a new “skill” Danny has learnt being kept secret until opening night and a couple of amazing “seat wetting “ moments for children, we are keeping under wraps, but rest assured, they promise to be terrific, in true Michael Harrison style! We can reveal, curtsey of The Twins, who are the magic specialists for Qdos Pantomimes, that Danny will fly out over the audience on a new version of the flying carpet. We also have a spectacular Genie and the traditional lamp is given a whole new lease of life.

We also promised that there will be plenty of water sloshing around and Mr. Twankey’s catering business (yes the trademark twists to the pantomime plots are still there) ensures there will be plenty of mess.

Of course, Chris Hayward also returns as Dame, this time as the Empress of China, with fourteen costume changes and a spectacular dance routine.

The secret to the success is simple, the performers, backstage crew and Michael Harrison all understand pantomime and literally deliver it year after year by the bucketful.

The countdown to Aladdin is well underway and with over 54,000 tickets sold already, identifying the North East audiences are showing once again they are ready for the best pantomime in the Country.

I for one cannot wait!