Celebrities, media moguls and movers and shakers in the city were taken on a whistle-stop magic carpet adventure through LHK Productions’ latest pantomime as they attended the press launch of Aladdin!
Producer Lee Kelly waved his magic wand and revealed his all-star cast who will perform in Aladdin this Christmas before treating them to a sneak preview of his spellbinding panto.
Returning to the Epstein Theatre for his fifth festive season, this year Lee’s line-up for 2016 includes Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, Big Brother’s Mark Byron, Magaluf Weekender’s Jordan Davies and X Factor’s Sean Smith. Presenter Debi Jones introduced each member of the cast before Natasha Hamilton and Sean Smith sang their solos – wowing the audience with their amazing vocals.
Headlining Aladdin is singer, television personality and businesswoman Natasha Hamilton, famous for being one third of successful girl group Atomic Kitten, and more recently playing the lead role Mrs. Johnstone in the highly acclaimed West End musical Blood Brothers! The Atomic Kitten member Natasha made her pantomime debut when she played the title role in Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire and is looking forward to exercising her sultry vocals again when she plays the feisty Princess Jasmine.
Natasha said, “I can’t wait to star in Aladdin. I love doing panto and I can’t wait to bring my kids to watch it! I thought I was too old to play the Princess but luckily I bagged the part!”
X Factor finalist, Sean Smith, is flying high in his role as street urchin Aladdin. The singer from Portsmouth was one half of pop duo Same Difference which came third in the live final in 2007. Performing with his sister Sarah, the siblings have since split and Sean is awaiting the release of his debut solo album.
No stranger to the stage, Sean began performing at an early age, appearing in Evita alongside Marti Webb at the age of seven. He left home at 17 to perform on cruise ships and has appeared in numerous pantomimes and musicals. Now is looking forward to entertaining the people of Liverpool.
Said Sean, “I’ve played the role of Prince before but Aladdin is a bit more cheeky chappy and so much fun to play. I can’t wait to star in Aladdin. And as a massive Atomic Kitten fan, it was my childhood dream to sing with Natasha Hamilton. I am also looking forward to spending Christmas in Liverpool!”
And audiences will be thrilled to hear that resident favourites Michael Chapman, Tom Burroughs and Lewis Pryor will also be returning to the Epstein stage to bring their usual mixture of mirth and mayhem and all the essential ingredients of a magical family panto!
Hot on the heels of its eggcellent Easter panto, Snow White, and smash-hit festive production of Cinderella, LHK’s next panto promises to deliver the same mixture of fun and laughter that audiences have come to expect, as well as stunning scenery, slapstick comedy, sparkling costumes and plenty of glamour provided by the galaxy of stars.
Tickets are now on sale for the festive family panto which will take the audience on a magic carpet ride to an exotic land filled with all-powerful genies, beautiful Princesses, wondrous caves and three wishes which might just make a young man’s dreams come true…
Producer Lee Kelly said, “We’re delighted to reveal our all-star cast for our Christmas pantomime Aladdin which will be bigger and better than ever. We have a really good cast this year who all make a great team. And as a big Atomic Kitten fan, I am thrilled to have Natasha on board!”
Aladdin runs from Thursday, 8th December 2016 to Sunday, January 8th 2017. So make your family’s wish come true and book your tickets now for Liverpool’s most magical carpet ride.
Tickets are priced at Adults £19, concessions £17, family £66.
HOW TO BOOK
Call 0844 8884411, visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or book in person at the theatre box office (open 2pm-6pm Monday-Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday-Saturday) or via TicketQuarter on 0844 8000 410, visit www.ticketquarter.co.uk or book in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool.