New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth is excited to announce the 2023 pantomime flying into Portsmouth is Aladdin. Producing a wonderful backdrop with it being a Grade II* Listed building on historic Guildhall Walk and first built in 1854, you really capture the architecture of what theatre is all about.
The Story
Aladdin will be a truly magical production of enchantment, romance and comedy. With live music, stunning sets, slick choreography and sensational costumes, audiences can also expect all the traditional entertaining panto fun.
The captivating tale will be brought to life by a line-up of professional actors from both stage and screen. With an impressive repertoire of theatre performances around the country, Alex Scott Fairley will join the cast as Abanazaar while much-loved and previous NTR panto Dame Chris Aukett will return to the stage once again to play Widow Twankey. I absolutely loved his performance last year and can’t wait to see his talents again this year!
Aladdin Role
The title role of Aladdin will be played by Emma Marsh and I managed to catch up with her just before the rehearsals for the panto. Asking Emma about playing Aladdin she said, “It’s very exciting because it has such a story and real heart to it and so it feels different to all the other pantomimes.”
Being in a Panto, Emma said that it is so much fun and because there is so much sharing that goes on with the audience, it makes it a special evening for the cast and the spectators!
Watching Pantomimes on the telly as a child, Emma said she had only really gone to a couple of pantos as a youngster. She got more into the life of panto as an adult when she got to star in them and now loves the whole concept of this historical, theatrical show!
Emma is looking so forward to flying on the carpet! Something to look out for. I asked Emma to describe the panto in one sentence and she said, “It’s a heartfelt story told in a magical way but full of belly laughs!.”
Other Cast Members
Kaysha Nada will grace the stage as Princess Jasmine. The comedy will be provided by matriarchal Widow Twankey alongside James Oates as Wishee-Washee and P.C. played by Josiah Eloi. Taking on the role of the mystical Genie will be Miguel Angel, who has appeared in West End and UK tours alongside the likes of Vincent Simone and Donny Osmond.
The talented Junior Ensemble dancers are all attendees of the local Portsmouth, Classique School of Dance.
Jordan Productions
Following on from the success of the last two Christmas pantos, New Theatre Royal has once again teamed up with Jordan Productions for this year’s festive fun. Managing Director, Chris Jordan comments: “We can’t wait to bring our production of Aladdin to the Portsmouth audience this Christmas and New Year. Full of magic and surprises, fun and laughter, we hope to bring families and friends together for a truly enjoyable panto experience.”
Panto Calender and Prices
The panto runs from Friday 8 until Sunday 31 December 2023 with a BSL Signed Performance on 17 December and Relaxed Performance on 31 December.
Tickets range from £10 to £23 and can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 02392 649000.
J
