MEET THE CAST OF THE BIGGEST PANTO IN TOWN!
By Catherine Ming | Sep 18, 2024 | News
With just under 100 days until Christmas (yes, we’ve said it), the countdown is on for the biggest show of the year! Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to see the Millennium Forum’s annual pantomime and, this year, Aladdin promises to be the most spectacular show yet! Proudly sponsored by the Richmond Centre, Aladdin flies into the city’s premier theatre (by magic carpet, of course) for the annual festive family show which runs from Friday 29th November until Tuesday 31st December.
Leading the cast again this year is Donegal comedian, Conal Gallen, who returns as the (ahem) beautiful Dame Widow Twankey. Conal has been bringing his hilarious brand of comedy to audiences across the globe for the past 37 years. He has also released over 35 best-selling comedy albums, written and toured 7 comedy plays and has even found time to finish his first comedy novel!
Joining Conal is local singer/actor, Dylan Reid, who plays the title role, Aladdin. Dylan began his career at the tender age of 7 in the Millennium Forum pantos and youth productions and has since appeared in various professional productions including the punk musical, Good Vibrations, Once The Musical and The White Handkerchief. Most recently, Dylan performed as part of Irish harmony group, ‘The Shamrock Tenors’, and also as lead male vocalist of a sold out show in Belfast’s SSE Arena with ‘The Ulster Orchestra’ at Lush Classical.
Another local actor returning to the Forum’s festive stage this Christmas is Aodhan Kehoe who made his panto debut in Cinderella in 2022 where he was the understudy for Conal Gallen’s ‘Buttons’. This year, Aodhan plays the role of the loveable comedic side-kick, Wishy Washy, and brings a wealth of experience having entertained audiences in the role of Silly Billy last year. He’s also performed in leading stage roles including The White Handkerchief and The Phantom Of The Opera and has just completed filming Chris O’Dowd’s TV series for Sky TV, Small Town/Big Stories.
Returning as the ubiquitous panto ‘baddie’ is Newtownards actress, Karen Hawthorne who plays Abanazar. Karen’s previous roles include Scaramouche (We Will Rock You), Anita (West Side story), Betty (White Christmas), Mary Magdalene (JCS), Eliza (My Fair Lady), Sherrie (Rock of ages) The Wicked Queen (Snow White), Carabosse (Sleeping Beauty), Mabel (Worlds Apart), Eva Peron (Evita) and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.
Completing the hugely talented cast this year are Corrie Earley as Princess Jasmine, Niamh Morrison as the Genie of the Lamp, Lily O’Reagan as the Spirit of the Ring, Matthew McLaughlin as PC Donut and Niamh Canning as The Empress.
Make your wishes come true this Christmas and treat the family to the must-see show of the festive season. Come with us to old Peking where evil sorcerer, Abanazar, seeks the magic lamp to bring him untold wealth and power. Can Aladdin save the day? Will Wishy Washy and the Genie of the Lamp help our hero? Will Princess Jasmine find the boy of her dreams? Will Widow Twankey finally wear something that doesn’t look like an explosion in a paint factory?
This magical adventure story will be brought to life in the Forum’s spectacular production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes and lots of comedy. Book your seats now for the carpet ride of a lifetime!
The Millennium Forum is, once again, offering a payment plan for panto to make this year’s festive season even more joyful for families and individuals. The payment plan was introduced last year as a response to the ongoing challenges posed by the cost of living crisis and will allow customers to plan and budget for their panto visit. The plan is available for bookings made before 30th September by calling the Box Office on 02871 264455. Instalments are non-refundable.
Aladdin performs at the Millennium Forum from Fri 29th November until Tues 31st December. Tickets are now available. A number of accessible performances are also available as well as a Makaton song in each performance. Telephone the Box Office on 71 264455 (option 1) or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.
ENDS