The Only Way Is St Helens!

TOWIE STARS LAUNCH ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL’S CHRISTMAS PANTO ALADDIN

 Press and VIP guests enjoyed a “REEM” afternoon at the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool for the press launch of Regal Entertainments’ pantomime Aladdin which will be held at St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas.

The paparazzi turned out in full force to take photos of the pantomime’s headline stars for 2016 – Amy Childs andHarry Derbidge – from TV reality show The Only Way is Essex. The TOWIE stars will be swapping the streets of Brentwood to tread the boards at St Helens Theatre Royal where they will appear in Aladdin from Saturday, 3rd December 2016 to Sunday, 8th January 2017.

The press launch was held in the stunning new Eden Rooftop suite at the Shankly Hotel where guests were treated to a mini panto performance featuring the cast of Aladdin, followed by a sumptuous Chinese buffet.

Radio City Talk presenter Pete Price introduced the all-star cast who gave the guests a sneak preview of their high flying panto which will take the audience on a magic carpet ride to Old Peking – a journey full of fun, laughter and surprises…

Gorgeous redhead Amy Childs looked dazzling in her glamorous costume for her role as Slave of the Ring.Meanwhile her cousin and Essex ‘Top Boy’ Harry Derbidge looked hilarious as PC Noodle complete with bling-encrusted truncheon! The catchphrase king managed to sneak in lots of TOWIE lines from ”shut uuuup” to “well jel” while Amy promised to give the Queen a “vajazzle…”!

The TOWIE stars were joined by David Heath who plays street rat Aladdin. David found fame following his appearance on ITV’s Saturday night favourite X Factor as a member of Liverpool born boy-band Eton Road, finishing fifth in the third series of the popular show.

Olivia Sloyan added a touch of glamour as the beautiful Princess Jasmine, Olivia’s previous theatre credits include roles in Bill Kenwright’s smash hit musical Blood Brothers as well as lead roles in Snow White and Cinderella at Buxton Opera House.

Every pantomime needs a bad guy and Warren Donnolly stepped up to the mark in his role as Aladdin’s nemesisAbanazer receiving lots of “boos!” Warren is best known for his role as Stan Waterman in Channel 4’s hit seriesShameless. His most recent credits include roles in Coronation Street and Holby City.

Harry Potter star Josh Bennett who played Gringotts Goblin in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two and also appeared in Seven Dwarves plays the Genie of the Lamp.

 The audience were pleased to see the return of St Helens Theatre Royal panto favourites Ben Engelen as Wishie Washie and St Helens’ resident dame Simon Foster as Widow Twankey. Ben and Simon have each performed in numerous pantomimes at St Helen’s Theatre Royal. Ben’s performance as Button’s in the 2015 production of Cinderella was coveted as “A stand out performance” when reviewed by North West End while in the same review Simon was credited as the character who “got the audience going.”

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager said: “We are really excited to reveal the cast of Aladdin for 2016. We have a really strong cast and lots of surprises up our sleeves. We are sure everyone will love Amy and Harry and they will have everyone in stitches with their hilarious antics!”

So don’t miss this magical family pantomime. Book your place in the cave of wonders, and get ready to shout “Open Sesame” during a fun-filled evening of enchantment, hilarious comedy, wonderful songs and a story which would make even the evil Abanazer’s heart melt.

We’re sure it will be “totes amazeballs…!”

The Theatre gives people the chance to enjoy pantomime in a supportive and less formal atmosphere specially designed for audiences with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.

“Just fantastic. I’ve waiting 9 years to be able to take my autistic daughter to the pantomime” Mother on Cinderella relaxed performance 2015/2016.

 For more information, please visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

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PANTO DETAILS

Aladdin 2016-2016

Dates: Saturday, 3rd December 2016 to Sunday, 8th January 2017

Times: Vary

Tickets: From £13 – £17

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.