ALADDIN
14th December 2010 -2nd January 2011
Chris Quinten, Pee Wee Price,
Donanld Marshall, Charlotte Dawson, Emma Louise Bennett, Adam Curtis,
Rebecca Nicholson
Honey Monster © Choney Monster Foods Ltd and appears by courtesy of
David Scott of Rainbow Productions,
Rita Proctor Dancers & Teensteppers Juveniles from The Tyne Theatre
Stage School
Script & Original Score by David Lee – Directed by Emma Louise Bennett
Choreography by Rita Proctor – Musical Director Eric Wight
Box Office Tel:
(01207) 218171
Website:www.leisureworksonline.co.uk/empireevents.cfm
DURHAM
TIMES
24-12-10 By Tony Kearney
ALADDIN – EMPIRE THEATRE - CONSETT
TWO-AND-A-HALF hours can seem a long time in the company of a toddler, but it flew by thanks to the magical entertainment provided by Aladdin at Consett Empire.The show sticks fairly and squarely with panto tradition, but was a nice pacey production without relying on relentless “he’s behind you” slapstick.The jokes came thick and fast, a cameo appearance by “Harry Hill”, a breathless version of 12 Days of Christmas and some very near-theknuckle gags from Lanchester’s own Donald Marshall as Widow Twanky among the best.There were also some decent song and dance numbers, but Aladdin was much more story-driven than previous pantomimes, which made for an entertaining blend.Consett Empire may struggle to attract the audiences that rival venues in Durham, Darlington or Newcastle can generate, but it has managed to assemble an extremely strong cast which made for a very slick show.Former Coronation Street star Chris Quinten was villainy itself as Abanazar, panto regular Pee Wee Price was at his hilarious best and special mention should be reserved for Charlotte Dawson, 18- year-old daughter of the late great Les Dawson, who was a thigh-slapping star in the lead role.
Aladdin runs until January 2 and tickets, which cost from £5 to £12, can be booked by calling 01207-218171.