MAGIC is in the air with panto favourite Aladdin set to be performed at Lighthouse Poole in the run-up to Christmas.
CBeebies star Chris Jarvis is returning to write and direct the show, as well as appearing as Widow Twankey, following the success of last year’s UK Pantomime Award-nominated Lighthouse production.
“It’s so exciting to be coming back to Lighthouse in one of the greatest panto stories of them all – it’ll be jam-packed with jokes and saturated with traditional panto silliness that all the family will love,” Chris said.
It’s ten years since he last appeared in Aladdin and Chris is already hard at work on the script. He added: “We’re going to tell the traditional story but maybe in a different time and place, some of which might be more familiar to the lovely people of Poole.
“I can’t say too much but I can promise genies, a lamp, a laundry scene, masses of magic, plenty of wishes and, of course, a magic carpet.”
After playing his first ever Dame in Poole in 2021, Chris is ready to frock ‘n’ roll once again.
He said: “I can’t wait. There’s a reason the great Christopher Biggins says Widow Twankey is the best role in panto – because it is! She’s such good fun.”
Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: “Chris is a panto ‘genie-us’ and we’re delighted he’s back with us this Christmas, alongside our brilliant technical director and lighting designer James Smith, who’s Poole born and bred.
“Panto is such a massive part of the Lighthouse year and we know our audiences look forward to its special blend of escapism and family entertainment, so having been pipped at the post by Sir Ian McKellen in the
Pantomime Awards, we’re doing all we can to go one better this year!”
Aladdin runs from Thursday, December 7, to Sunday, December 31. For tickets and information phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
There should per for aduit with learning disabilities show she there as will I am love acting love be a Christmas pantomime in Poole