Panto Aladdin opens at Theatre Royal Winchester

Aladdin brought brightly-coloured sets, endearing story lines, and plenty of toilet humour to the city’s stage.

Scores of families turned up for the first showings of the family-friendly show, which runs until Sunday, January 2.

The cast of Aladdin

Among the crowd at a special showing on Wednesday night was Mayor of Winchester Councillor Vivian Achwal.

She encouraged people to show their support for the theatre, especially after such a tough 18 months.

She said: "It is a brilliant show. It was good fun, people need to come and support their local theatre, it’s good family fun."

The show has been produced by Play to the Crowd with the same creative team behind the last few pantomimes at Theatre Royal Winchester: writer, lyricist and director James Barry and composer Simon Slater.

Aladdin sees Julian Eardley back as Widow Twankey - his 12th year as Winchester’s Dame - and comic sidekick Ed Thorpe as Wishee Washee.

Libby Gore returns to Winchester in the title role and hero of the story Aladdin following her performances in last year’s Four Dames in Search of Panto and Dick Whittington in 2019.

Ben Tolley plays the evil Abanazar; Michaela Bennetts-Higgins the magical Spirit of the Ring; Rikki Chamberlain the comical Genie and Policeman and Rosie Coles is Princess Jasmine.

Families impressed by the performance including the Cross family from Burridge.

Pic 1: The Cross family from Burridge. Steven Cross, with his mum Pat Cross, wife Paula, and Hagar Sultan, partner of son Rupert Cross

Rupert Cross, 25, was with his partner Hagar Sultan, 24, and his parents Steven and Paula Cross, and his nan Pat Cross (photo, above).

Rupert said: "It is really good fun, the jokes are the best bit, it’s very entertaining, I would recommend it."

Hagar added: "Aladdin is not your usual pantomime choice but it’s great, I would recommend people to come, it’s a great laugh."

Pic 2: Sam Jones, assistant vice-chancellor at the University of Winchester, who was with his daughters Martha, 11, and Adelaide, eight

Also joining in the fun was Sam Jones, assistant vice-chancellor at the University of Winchester, who was with his daughters Martha, 11, and Adelaide, eight (photo, above).

Sam said: "This is actually our first ever pantomime and we think it’s wonderful. It’s nice to be out enjoying things."

The production, which features a support cast of local young performers, has an original soundtrack and has been supported by The Brooks Shopping.

Aladdin at Theatre Royal Winchester runs until Sunday, January 2, 2022. Performances December 21 and 30 will be livestreamed.

There are also a number of accessible performances included BSL signed, audio described and relaxed performances.

Tickets start from £12.50 and are available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or by calling 01962 840 440.

Pic 3: The crowd at Wednesday's showing of Aladdin at Theatre Royal Winchester