10:14am Thursday 11th December 2008
By Mike Critchley
IT’S panto season again and across the area theatre goers have a choice of entertaining shows offering fun for all the family.
Over at the St Helens Theatre Royal, discover the magic of the age old story of Aladdin’s magic lamp in a show featuring Big Brother’s Spencer in the title role.
Spencer shot to fame in the popular reality show - in a house that featured big characters Jade, Johnny, Alex, Adele and winner Kate Lawlor, which was probably good grounding for life on the panto circuit.
In the past Spencer, has played small roles like an Ugly Sister in Cinderella and the genie in Aladdin before graduating into the lead in Jack and the Beanstalk.
The show, which features Richard De Vere as Abanazar, Mia Carla as the empress and Chantelle Joseph as Princess Jasmine has already started.
Tickets for the show start at £7 - contact the box office on 01744 756000 for details.
This year’s Hands On @ The Citadel community Christmas pantomime Snow White got underway this week and everyone is invited.
Once again the performance will be cast and created by a whole host of volunteers and acting enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Making it a performance by St Helens people for St Helens people.
Running until 20 December, with daily matinee performances at 1pm and evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm, the show is full of all your favourite festive characters.
The duration of the show is 2 hours, including a 15-minute interval.
Tickets are £7 or £5 for concessions, with additional reductions available for group bookings.
For more information, contact The Citadel Box Office on 01744 735436.
Over in Liverpool, The Empire Theatre is gearing up for what is to be the biggest panto ever to take place in city.
Cinderella starts today (Thursday), when a host of Liverpool stars including Fairy Godmother Cilla Black, Cinderella Jennifer Ellison, Les Dennis (Buttons) and Nick Pickard as Dandini take to the stage in the glittering, spectacular show.
Ted Robbins as Baron Hardup. Radio presenter Pete Price and Roy Brandon play the Ugly Sisters.
In keeping with the show’s all-Liverpool theme, the musical score to the panto will consist entirely of classic songs originally written or performed by Liverpool artists and bands.
The show will feature some hits from Cilla Black, in addition to songs by the Boo Radleys, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and The Beatles!.
Cinderella runs until 4 January 2009, Ticket prices are £15, £20, £24, £27.50. Box office: 0844 847 2525
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