It's time to take a trip on the magic carpet as the New Theatre Peterborough grants our wish for a fabulous panto!
They’ve certainly lined up some well known names for this lavish production of Aladdin on Peterborough’s biggest stage running from December 15 - 30.
Get ready to boo and hiss your heart out as actor and comedian Rufus Hound makes his pantomime debut as the evil Abanazar.
Mis-Teeq pop princess and star of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Sabrina Washington stars as the beautiful Princess Jasmine and pantomime royalty, Bobby Crush, brings the laughs as Widow Twankey.
Ricky K from Britain’s Got Talent stars as Wishee Washee and Julie Coombe from Hormonal Housewives plays the genie. Newcomer Joshian Omana gets his chance to shine as our hero Aladdin.
ESP grabbed a word with Rufus and asked if starring as the villain played a part in him taking the role.
“It played a big part,” he said. “In previous jobs I’ve always been given the Buttons-esque type roles – so when they asked if I’d like to play the bad guy, I jumped at the chance. Plus, after the last year and a half we’ve all had, I welcome the opportunity of being part of something that will make people laugh. Laughter is something we all need right now.
“I dare say that some of my own humour will slip out,” he told ESP. “But to be honest with you, it’s not needed. The team involved in putting this show together are absolute professionals and what they’ve done is remarkable.
“I hope the people of Peterborough and beyond are ready to have their socks knocked off because that’s what I and everyone else involved in the show is striving for.”
Ricky K’s exuberant performances on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 proved what a great all round performer he is. Ricky says he’d like to play the dame in future but Bobby Crush has that one sewn up this year and between the two of them we’re in for a real giggle.
Like most of us Ricky feels Christmas is all about family and can’t wait to see all generations sharing the experience once again – “There’s no better feeling than seeing everyone laughing and enjoying themselves and going away happy. It’s going to be great and in a beautiful theatre.”
The New Theatre is ideal for a big production and we’re promised a real spectacle with amazing scenery, lots of stunning special effects, dazzling dance routines and songs, plus some beautiful costumes.
Theatre Director Richie Ross told ESP the excitement is building – “We cannot wait to deliver the locally focused and fun panto that we all missed and longed for last year, and this year's Aladdin promises to be a blockbusting spectacle.”
So, don’t just wish you’d bought a ticket, make sure you get yours for one of their many shows running from December 15 - 30.
Book now on www.newtheatre-peterborough.com