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It’s nearly panto season! Have you booked your tickets yet?
13 Oct 2019
by Rebecca Dutton

Theatre Severn’s Aladdin cast

The panto season is nearly upon us and there are some fantastic performances taking place across the West Midlands, which just cannot be missed.

At J&PR, we love a good panto and can’t wait to settle down to all the usual gags and funny jokes, which means it’s Christmas time. Oh no it doesn’t! Oh yes it does!

Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn will be showing Aladdin, starring Brad Fitt, BBC Radio Shropshire’s legendary Eric Smith and Victoria McCabe, from Dec 4 to Jan 12.

The theatre recently revealed nearly two thirds of tickets have already been snapped up so if you’re planning to go, it’s definitely time to book your seats.

The pantomime is written by Telford-born Paul Hendry and produced by Evolution, the creative team behind pantomimes at Theatre Severn since 2011, and the company has secured another multi-talented cast. 

Brad Fitt, recognised as one of the funniest Dames in the country, returns to direct the show and star as Widow Twankey.  He will reunite with BBC Radio Shropshire’s Eric Smith, who will be playing the Emperor of China performing in his 17th Shrewsbury pantomime. 

Theatre Severn also recently revealed Victoria McCabe, who previously starred in both Snow White (2017) and Mother Goose (2018), will return in the role of Princess Jasmine. 

There will also be a host of new faces treading the Theatre Severn boards including Harry Winchester as Aladdin, Phil Stewart as Abanazar, Kate Malyon as the Spirit, Dec Moran as PC Pongo and Dave Bibby as Wishee Washee.

Theatre Severn Marketing Manager Craig Reeves said: “We can’t wait to share another spectacular pantomime season with our audiences. Last year was our best yet, and tickets for Aladdin are selling quicker than ever and look set to break box office records once again. 

Aladdin is one of the biggest adventures in pantomime, so audiences can expect a magic carpet ride full of fun for all ages, and a few showstopping surprises!”

Jordan Ginger, Ian Adams, Ryan Thomas, Julie Paton and Aaron James in Dick Whittington – Photograph by Jonathan Hipkiss

Wolverhampton’s streets will be paved with gold when Dick Whittington comes to the Grand Theatre from Dec. 7 to Jan 12 for the theatre’s 125th anniversary spectacular.

Dick Whittington is a rags to riches story from London to Morocco starring Coronation Street’s Ryan Thomas in the title role. 

He will be joined by the Grand Theatre’s returning pantomime Dame, Ian Adams, who plays Sarah The Cook, theatre star Julie Paton as the Spirit of the Bells, comedy impressionist Aaron James as Idle Jack and Jordan Ginger as Dick’s trusty feline sidekick. 

They join Su Pollard as Queen Rat and Jeffrey Holland as Alderman Fitzwarren.

Katie Marie-Carter will play Alice Fitzwarren and the cast is completed by a dynamic ensemble; Georgia Curtis, Louis Geirnaert, Stylianos Hadjisavvas, Chloe Lindsay, Amy Murchison, Joseph Robert, Holly Vernon-Harcourt and James Wakeling. 

Telford’s The Place is showing Jack and the Beanstalk

Telford’s The Place will be showing Jack and the Beanstalk to celebrate the town’s 20th pantomime.

Playing Fleshcreep is Oliver Mellor. Best known for his appearances in Coronation Street as Dr Matt Carter, Oliver has also appeared in other popular TV shows including Cold Feet, Eastenders, Emmerdale, Doctor Who and The Royal. 

Back by popular demand is Carl Dutfield, who brought the house down last year as Buttons in Cinderella. 

This year Carl returns as Jack on a fantastic adventure with his unique storytelling, comedy and magic.

Cabaret star Tim Ames will bring the wonderful Dame Trott to life with his larger than life costumes, musical performances and belly-laughing humour.  

Showcasing the very best of Telford’s talent is Chloe Barlow. Chloe will be making her debut in pantomime playing Princess Jill. She recently graduated First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Edge Hill University. 

Councillor Rae Evans, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for customer, cultural & leisure services and partnerships, said: “We are very excited that we have another excellent cast lined up for Jack and the Beanstalk that will celebrate 20 years of pantomime shows here in Telford.”

The show will open on December 11 and run until January 5. 

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk can be purchased online at www.theplacetelford.com or from the box office on 01952 382382. 

To buy tickets for Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre, visit the theatre in person, call 01902 42 92 12 or book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk 

Tickets for Theatre Severn’s Aladdin are available from the box office at Theatre Severn (01743 281281) or online at www.theatresevern.co.uk.