Aladdin's ready to inject a little magic into Ludlow panto
Box office records are set to be broken when Aladdin takes to the stage in Ludlow. Ten performances of the popular pantomime are planned at the town's Assembly Rooms, in Mill Street, following a hit production of Cinderella last year.
This year's pantomime will be produced by Showcase productions, in association with the Lights Down Theatre School. Production spokesman James Dakers, from Lights Down Productions, said there would be fun for all the family.
Mr Dakers said: "We started Showcase Productions a couple of years ago and took Cinderella to the Assembly Rooms. It was the first time that professional pantomime had been brought to the town and people really enjoyed it.
"We work with Lights Down, which has been running since 2006 in Ludlow and Hereford, and is for youngsters aged four to 18 who are interested in acting, singing and dance. They work with professional performers, people who have West End experience, and they learn new skills.
"It's a traditional family panto with lots of song and dance, lots of audience participation, sweets, colourful costumes, glamorous sets and well known characters."
Mr Dakers will play Wishy Washy in the production, having moved to the area from London, where he worked as a professional actor.
He said: "I set up Lights Down in 2006 and commuted to and from London for the first four years.
"There was a really good take up of classes. We have kids who come to us who want a career in the arts and who want to learn how to improve their skills.
"The workshops we do help to build their confidence. We have youngsters from schools and community colleges.
There are a lot of youngsters from Ludlow but we also get people from further afield, so we get people from Cleobury Mortimer and Ross on Wye."
Mr Dakers said people could look forward to a first rate performance of Aladdin.
He said: "Among the group are youngsters aged 15 to 16 who are looking at drama colleges in London and we think they have the skills to go on, if they have the determination to forge their career."
Aladdin runs from December 19-23.
Mr Dakers added: "Last year we were at 60-65 per cent capacity but we are expecting to do much better this year."
Assembly Rooms spokeswoman Jenna Blair said: "This professional live production is sure to be the perfect treat for the whole family."
* For tickets see www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
