After last year’s record breaking box office sales, The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth in South East Northumberland hopes to emulate that achievement with its 2015 Christmas offering of “Aladdin”.The cast is in place and rehearsals are in full swing for a panto that promises to be jam-packed full of big belly laughs, colourful sets, outrageous costumes and be recognised as the ultimate family festive show.
Staging Aladdin has extra significance as it will be the final show of The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth’s 50th anniversary year that has seen the venue amass a number of achievements and accolades including being awarded with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The local-based cast will be ‘Abanazer’ (played by James Mitchinson of Whitley Bay); ‘Slave of the Ring’ (played by Debbie Cankaya of Blyth); ‘Genie’ (played by Japeth Hoffmeister of Cramlington); ‘Aladdin’ (played by Bethanie Johnson); ‘Princess Jasmine’ (played by Angela Lawery of Whitley Bay); ‘PC Pong’ (played by Jen Woods of Cramlington); ‘Emperor’ (played by Sam Johnson of Jesmond); ‘Wishee Washee’ (played by Simon Pinkney of Widdrington Station) and ‘Widow Twankey’ (played by Josh Raven).
David Garrett, Executive Director of The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth, said: “Panto season is a magical time of year as people know they can leave their day-to-day lives at the theatre door and spend an exhilarating 90-minutes laughing, crying and having a right festive knees up.
“2015 has been one of the most poignant years of our community theatre’s recent and proud history. The stand out moments ranged from receiving an amazing accolade from Her Majesty the Queen through to gaining substantial funding to enable us to develop a second performance space ready for 2016. These are exciting times for The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth you’d be mad not to join the ride.”
Production credits:
Producer: The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth
Director: Claire Khass
Musical Director: Donald Montgomery
Choreographer: Chantal Cadle
Assistant Choreographer: Katy Mason
Aladdin runs at The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth from Saturday 5th until Sunday 13th December with tickets priced at £12.50 for adults, £11.50 for concessions including children and there are also group tickets available on request.
Tickets can be bought by calling the box office on 01670 367228 (Monday to Saturday 10am until 2pm), onlinewww.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk or in person Monday to Saturday 10am until 12.30pm.
The performance times are 7.15pm for weekday performances (Mon-Fri) and 1.30pm and 6pm on weekends (Sat and Sun).
Theatre Address: 37A Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DS.
FINAL AUDITIONS….plus there’s still time to get involved as the producers of Aladdin are holding exciting open auditions onWednesday 23rd September at 7pm to find local male and female dancers (over the age of 16) who will help Aladdin search for the golden lamp! Those people who are eager to audition are advised to register their interest by emailingadmin@thephoenixtheatre.org.uk
Also, to let people know that we can proudly announce our very own Young Phoenix Theatre company won the ‘Best Youth Production at the NODA North Awards 2015’ for their rendition of “Joseph and The Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat”.
The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth also has a presence on Face Book and Twitter @Phoenixblyth