Following their critically acclaimed Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022, award-winning writer Sonia Jalaly and director Nicholai La Barrie join forces once again to bring a brand-new take on another magical fairy tale this festive season, Aladdin, starring Andre Antonio in the title role.
Joining Antonio on stage will be a couple of popular familiar faces, with the return of Emmanuel Akwafo as Widow Twerkey and Jodie Jacobs as Genie. The duo not only starred in Jack and the Beanstalk, but also wowed the audience of West London and beyond last year in Cinderella. The company is completed by Aleyna Mohanraj as Jasmine and Andrew Pepper as Abanazaar with Summer Priest, Francisco Gomes and Laura Dawn Pyatt forming the ensemble.
Aladdin’s final ensemble member is Springboard participant Isaiah James-Mitchell. Set up in 2022 by the Lyric Hammersmith, Springboard is a free training programme that provides an alternative pathway into employment for future theatre makers from currently underrepresented groups in the industry.
With the cast in place, the theatre promises that ‘your wishes have been granted’ and that it’s time to ‘soar above the streets of Hammersmith with panto heroes Aladdin and Jasmine for an adventure you won’t forget’.
Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, says, “The Lyric Panto is a cherished tradition for audiences in West London and beyond… Our pantomimes are created with heart and soul right here in Hammersmith and the Lyric Panto is woven into the fabric of our West London community. Since before the Second World War, we’ve celebrated the joy and exuberance of this unique art form. We can’t wait to share this year’s production, filled with chart-topping tunes, hilarious comedy, and the unmistakeable Lyric twist…oh yes we will!”
The creative team for Aladdin includes: Set and Costume Design by Good Teeth; Choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento; Lighting Design by Sally Ferguson; Composition and Arrangements by Corin Buckeridge; Sound Design by Nick Manning; Musical Direction by Adam Gerber; Casting by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting; Associate Musical Director Olivia Zacharia; Assistant Director Harper K. Hefferson.
Thanks to the support of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, all those who live or work in Hammersmith & Fulham can apply for up to 4 free tickets to the Free First Night performance of Aladdin on 16 Nov at 6pm. Applications will open in October. Additionally, Year 5 and 6 students who study in state schools in the borough qualify for FREE tickets to select performances of Aladdin.
Aladdin runs at The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 16 November 2024-5 January 2025. Tickets from £10 here.
