Grimsby auditorium panto cast ready for a flying start!

The panto mayhem begin recently for the Grimsby Auditorium magical family panto Aladdin when the cast got together for the photo shoot.

Joining the previously announced Coronation Street bad boy Nigel Pivaro as Abanazar are Phil Hoyles as Widow Twankey, Gareth Bennett-Ryan as Wishee Washee, Mary Viscomi as Aladdin, James Houlbrooke as Genie and Helena Gullan as So Shi / Spirit of the Ring.

Phil and Gareth are bringing a local flavor to the show as both of them were raised in Grimsby, where their families still live and Gareth even worked at the venue including being a spotlight operator for panto!

For Phil playing the iconic role of panto dame in his home town is a real honour. He says “I always see Grimsby as my hometown and no matter where I am living or working, Grimsby is still my home.  As they say, you can take the boy out of Grimsby, but you can’t take Grimsby out of the boy!”

Nigel Pivaro has fond memories of a previous appearance at the Auditorium and is looking forward to be being back there at Christmas. “I remember appearing at the Auditorium when I was doing the tour of John Godber’s Bouncers quite a few years ago now but it stays in my mind as the venue was packed with a really appreciative audience who loved the show.”

For Lincoln’s Mary Viscomi this will be her second panto at the Auditorium having played Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk two years ago.

“I am happy to be back at the Auditorium this year as it is a great venue, and it also means I get to spend Christmas with my family. I was in Barnstaple last year which I really enjoyed but it is a long way from home.”

Another returnee is James Houlbrooke who will once again Choreograph the panto as well as playing the flamboyant Genie of the Lamp.

“Starring in the panto as well as choreographing it is always a challenge, particularly as it can be hard to tell what a scene looks like when you are appearing in it rather than watching it. However, the Genie is a brilliant role and I absolutely can’t wait to get started.”

Don’t miss out on seeing this fabulous cast. Aladdin runs for two weeks only from Friday 9th until Monday 26th December 2016.