Aladdin - Loughborough

http://www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/panto

This page will be updated with news, photos and insider gossip during the build up to, and during the 2008/9 pantomime season. Check back for updates!

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11th January 2009 - The panto is now closed

After 69 performances, Aladdin closed at about 7:30pm this evening.

It's been a fantastic show, and we've had alot of fun. Thanks so much to the cast and crew, but mostly to the team from the Town Hall. Thank you for making us so welcome yet again!

We're really looking forward to being back in November 2009 with Beauty and the Beast!

xx

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10th January 2009 - The After Show party

The after show party took place this evening with a 'spoof' pantomime being performed by the crew for the cast and creative team! we're trying to chase down some photos and will upload them when we get some...

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3rd January 2009 - Secret Santa Photos are out!

A sneak back stage at what the cast gets up to when they're not on stage.... This year, they had a company secret santa (we're not telling who Santa was!) in between shows on 23rd Dec....

Nick (Fleshcreep) gets his present Then it's Dame Martin's turn!

Leon (Genie) loves his present And then it's Neil (Wishee)'s turn

L-R - Tammy (So SHi), Alice (Princess), Emily (Aladdin) and Hayley (ASM/ CHaperone) find Hayley's present hysterical!

The cast and crew 'proudly' show off their presents!!!

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8th December 2008 - The Reviews have started coming out!

The panto review in The Stage

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/22661/aladdin

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5th December 2008 - Gala Night!

Friday 5th December was the gala launch night of Aladdin at Loughborough Town Hall, so as usual, we were out in force with our cameras!

Post show entertainment - Lion Dance! Lamp & Banner outside the Town Hall

Emily (Aladdin) and Nick (Abanaza) met their alter egos on the standee, and then Tammy (So Shi) and Neil (Wishee Washee) joined in the game!!

Foyer Board

The AMAZING Cast and Crew of Aladdin - So sorry, can't pick everyone out (and OK, I admit it, I'm rubbish with names too!!), but here are a few pointers on who is who! (Thanks to all those involved in the show on a fab production).

Front Row, going right to left - Hayley (Chaperone), Leon (Genie & Emporer) Louise (WISH), Tammy (So-Shi), Martin (Widow Twankey), Alice (Princess), Steven (PC Pong), Emily (Aladdin), Dawn (White dress - Wardrobe and CM), then above Dawn is Nick (Abanaza) and Neil (Wishee Washee and Director)

Then top row behind right to left - Chris (Sound), Phil (WISH), Kevin (In the suit - Production Manager) and then on the very far left is Lauren (DSM)

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3rd December 2008 - The production shots are out

Here are some of the 600+ production shots! Sorry if the colours are a little washed out - it's due to us having to shrink the files down to fit them onto the website. Photos taken by our friend, Helen Ashbourne. Thanks Helen! x

Aladdin, Widow Twankey & So Shi Aladdin & Abanaza

Neil as Wishee Washee Martin as Widow Twankey

Wishee takes a jump Aladdin & Princess

SLOSH!! The Cave

Genie Your wish is my command, master

They're rich (nice cones, Martin!) Flying High!

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29th November 2008 - The panto is open!

Well, that's it. Rehearsals are finished and the panto is open. As soon as we have some production photos we'll upload them for you to see.

For Director Neil, Producer Steve, Choreographer Mel, Musical Director Mark and Musical Support Dan, their job is done. It's now over to the cast and crew for the 69 performance run. Have a great run, guys!

Ticket sales are higher than ever, and judging by the reaction of the audiences on day 1 of the 7 week run, we think it's going to be a great show!

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27th November 2008 - Nearing the end of rehearsals

Lauren has sent us some more photos. The show is now in final tech and dress rehearsal.

Neil & Martin run the slosh routine with Steve Boden in the 'stooge' seat

Neil and Martin are rigged into the flying harness and then Neil flies!

The stage 'gives birth' to Leon in front of the cave!

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19th November 2008 - Rehearsals continue

Lauren has sent some more photos through!...

Steven working on props Martin has a cuppa! Emily busy learning lines

Dan (Vocal coach) & Neil Tammy, Leon & Nick in singing rehearsals

The lamp & banner have gone up outside the Town Hall

Chris at the Sound Desk Standee in the Theatre foyer

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18th November 2008 - First images of rehearsal are coming through

Lauren, DSM on the panto has started to send through some photos! We'll upload them as we get them

Melanie (choreographer) & Neil (director) start to set the opening number

Neil & Martin Neil, Nick & Emily Kevin (Production Mgr) & Chris (Sound)

Neil & Dan (Music)

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17th November, 2008 - Rehearsals have started!

Day 1 of rehearsals at Loughborough Town Hall, and following a script read through the cast and crew were soon down to work. Prologue, opening number and some of Act 1 Scene 1 are set, and the kids have been in all evening dancing their hearts out!

Lauren, the deputy stage manager, has her camera to hand and has promised some shots within the not too distant future, so keep your eyes peeled for some action shots of rehearsal. They'll be coming soon!

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6th November 2008 - Rehearsals start on Sunday!

If you can't beleive it's panto time again, neither can we! And for Loughborough this year, rehearsals are kicking off a week early.

Director Neil Bull and Choreographer Melanie Orchard are starting the panto babes early this year, and putting them through their paces on Sunday 9th November. Then they're in again on Sunday 16th November for another babes day, before rehearsals start with avengance with the full cast on Monday 17th November.

If you're planning to come to see Aladdin at Loughborough Town Hall, and you've not yet booked your seats, we'd recommend you do so, especially if you're planning to come during the Christmas week. Tickets are selling faster than ever, so get your skates on and get down to the box office asap!!

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8th September 2008 - Cast photo day

The principal cast of Aladdin met up in Loughborough on Mon 8th Sept to have some publicity photos taken. Here are some images of the day.

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8th September, 2008 - The panto babes are cast!

Thanks to the 85+ babes who turned up to audition for a part in Aladdin!

All auditionees performed in front of Neil Bull (Director, & playing Wishee Washee), Melanie Orchard (Choreographer) & Sarah Boden (WISH Theatre Ltd).

We were absolutely delighed with the standard, and are pleased to announce that this year, there will be 3 teams of 8 babes performing, as well as 4 'reserves'.

Well done to all who were successful - we can't wait to work with you!!

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27th August 2008 - The panto is cast - Here's who will be appearing in panto in Loughborough for 2008/9

• Martin Ballard as Widow Twankey
• Neil Bull as Wishee Washee
• Nick Barclay as Abanaza
• Leon Craig as the Genie
• Emily Latham as Aladdin
• Alice McGreevy as Princess Baldroubador
• Tammy Jones as So Shi/ Spirit of the Ring