A PERFORMANCE group devoted to Christmas entertainment says tickets for its winter show can now be purchased online.
Wokingham Pantomime Group’s production of Aladdin will star local young talent, including Ben Dearden as Abanazer, Aimee Gunter as Slave Of The Ring, Emma Ross as Princess Jasmin, and Toni Di Gangi as Aladdin.
The cast of around 20 performers range in age from 8yrs to young adults.
Husband and wife team Stan and Jo Hetherington produce the pantomimes and create all the costumes.
“Jo is currently working with her team of seamstresses,” said Stan Hetherington.
“There’s a flurry of stitching going on, and just now our lounge looks like a clothes shop.
“Everyone is very excited to get started again on our new pantomime.
“It will be wonderful to be back inside the Whitty Theatre, we’re so pleased to be returning there.”
This will be the group’s sixth pantomime.
“During the pandemic we weren’t allowed to shout during the show, and people had to hold up Boo signs,” continued Mr Hetherington.
“But this year will be wonderfully noisy, with plenty of He’s Behind You’s and all the regular audience participation.”
“We’re about to have our first get-together, and I know that some of the cast will be very shy and nervous.
“But I can guarantee that by the time the curtain comes down on the last night they’ll be brimming with confidence.”
“Taking part gives young people a chance to flourish, to experience the joy of performing, and to interact with others.
“It’s especially important for the covid generation,” he said.
“They missed out on so much social interaction, and have struggled because of that.
“I want our pantomime to be a chance for our young people to enjoy having fun together being kids.”
Aladdin will be performed during the last weekend of December.
“There are three shows for the public, but thanks to generous support from Newbury Building Society, and Wokingham In Need, we are also able to put on an extra Friday afternoon relaxed show exclusively for foster families in the area.”
Tickets for Aladding are available for shows on Friday, December 29, and Saturday, December 30.
Performances will be at 6pm on both days with a Saturday matineé at 2pm.
For tickets and information, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk and search for Wokingham Pantomime, or visit the group’s Facebook page.
