TICKETS for this year’s St Albans pantomime Aladdin are flying out of the box office quicker than the star of the show on his magic carpet.
The Alban Arena’s 2012 Christmas production opens on Friday, December 14.
This is Evolution Productions’ third pantomime at the Arena.
And despite the last two breaking box office records, this year is already on track to beat them both, with the opening weekend almost sold out already.
The Aladdin panto cast descended upon the city last month to promote the production. St Albans-based actor Bob Golding was on hand to keep control as Pc Pongo, even stopping briefly to direct traffic as the cast members crossed the road in St Peter’s Street.
Aladdin will be Bob’s second year at the Alban Arena after his acclaimed performance last year as Herman the Henchman in Snow White, and he’s not the only familiar face to make a welcome return.
Children’s TV entertainer Phil Gallagher, aka Mister Maker, is back to take the titular role of Aladdin alongside Jemma Carlisle’s Princess Jasmin.
They will be joined by a fabulous ensemble cast, which features another St Albans resident, Stuart Nurse, as the Emperor of China.
No panto is complete without the big baddie and this year is certainly no exception.
Joining the cast fresh out of his tour of the Ladykillers will be Shaun Williamson as Abanazar.
Shaun starred as Barry Evans in the popular TV soap EastEnders for nine years and had a recurring role in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s award-winning sitcom Extras.
Aladdin opens on Friday, December 14 and plays until Sunday, January 6, 2013.
Tickets start at £16.50, and can be booked from the Alban Arena box office on 01727 844488 or alternatively from the website at www.alban-arena.co.uk