It’s not yet September but booking has begun for this year’s panto at the South Holland Centre, with some shows already sold out.
Aladdin is this year’s Christmas panto, organised once again by Polka Dot Pantomimes, which has put on Spalding’s show since 2004.
Polka Dot’s Darren Maddison said: “Each year we try to ensure that we raise the bar in terms of script, cast and special effects. Last year’s Beauty and the Beast was our most successful yet, and we received amazing feedback from audiences of all ages.”
Those who attended last year’s show will be pleased to see a returning cast member.
“We are delighted that last year’s Dame Vince Williams will be joining us again – this year as Widow Twankey. Vince was very popular last year and audiences loved him – he is a great Dame with amazing comic timing and his ad libbing ensures that every performance is unique,” said Darren.
Aladdin is played by Josh Davis and Princess Jasmine is played by Amy Forder, who played the role in the Barking performance last year.
The show will also feature a homecoming. “Beth Norman began her training with us at Polka Dot Academy and after going to drama school has spent the last two years onboard the P&O cruise liners wowing audiences with her vocal skills – so we are thrilled that she will be coming home for Christmas,” said Darren.
This year’s show promises to be the funniest yet, thanks to: “Max Fulham’s ventriloquist sketches and Vince Williams’s slapstick comedy.”
A Christmas panto has been a family tradition for generations and still works its magic today, said Darren. “I think it’s the wonderful Christmas feeling it gives you and the fact that it can be enjoyed by every generation. Children, teenagers, mums, dads, grannies, granddads can all go together and have a fantastic time. There is lots of audience participation and every show is unique. It’s not often that you see such a talented cast in Spalding so it does feel like a West End show with the high production values we achieve.”
Tickets are available from the South Holland Centre box office or website.
