We went along to the rehearsal venue and spent a few hours with the entire team of the New Theatre Cardiff Pantomime, Aladdin., who we must thank for making us feel very welcome and allowing us to chat for so long during their crucial rehearsal time. Enjoy our ALADDIN Panto Special. We meet the two Gareth's, Gates and Thomas. Comedy icon Paul Chuckle, Denquar Chupak and Lorraine Brown. We talj about the show, and how much they are enjoying their stay in Cardiff. We begin with the seemingly age-old question now, how nice is it to be back after such a long period away from performing. The music incidentally, is from a fresh-faced Garethe Gates, back in the days (almost 20 years ago) when he was on Pop Idol (remember that?). The New Theatre’s unmissable family pantomime is back. The festive favourite Aladdin opens on Saturday 4th December, featuring eye – popping special effects, stunning songs and dance and a lamp-load of laughter, promising a magic carpet ride for all the family. The colourful scenery and beautiful costumes will provide the perfect backdrop to the adventures of Aladdin and his friends. Paul Chuckle will star as the hapless and hilarious brother to Aladdin. Best known as one half of the legendary Chuckle Brothers, the much-loved duo were known to generations of children for their popular prime-time children’s television show Chucklevision, of which more than 290 episodes were made. Starring in the title role of Aladdin will be pop and musical theatre star Gareth Gates. Gareth rose to stardom in 2002 as runner-up in the UK’s first Pop Idol. In a phenomenal career that followed, he has sold more than 3.5 million records in the UK, released three albums and had four UK number one singles. Local hero and rugby legend Gareth ‘Alfie’ Thomas returns to the New Theatre pantomime for a fifth season as the wish granting Genie of the Lamp. The Bridgend-born rugby player is one of the most iconic and respected figures in the sporting world, having played professional rugby for Wales and is one of the most capped Welsh rugby union players in history. Since retiring he has gone on to forge a career in commentating for Sky Sports, has appeared on reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice and fronted documentaries for the BBC. Back for his eighth consecutive pantomime appearance at the New Theatre, the city’s much-loved entertainer Mike Doyle will star as the iconic dame. Mike wows audiences every festive season, with his inimitable quick wit, outrageous costumes and audience interaction. Stephanie Webber returns to Cardiff for a fourth Christmas and will star as the Spirit of the Ring, Stephanie’s TV credits include BBC’s The Voice and her theatre credits include Tiger Bay at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium centre. Denquar Chupak will play Princess Jasmine, having previously played the part in Richmond, Crewe and Southend and is looking forward to reprising the role in Cardiff this Christmas, while Stefan Pejic, widely regarded as one of the most versatile entertainers in Wales will play the wicked Abanazar. Lorraine Brown completes the cast as Empress, whilst Matt Slack returns to Cardiff to direct.

• published: 25 Nov 2021
• views: 6071