New Forest Players panto Aladdin set for Ballard School’s Performing Arts Centre in New Milton

A CAST and chorus of 39 are set to step up for New Forest Players’ annual pantomime adventure Aladdin from 28th to 31st December.

On stage at Ballard School’s Performing Arts Centre, the show has been several months in the making after cast members initially auditioned in early September. Director Sarah Haberfield said the panto is always a team effort with dozens of backstage volunteers helping out with costumes, scenery and planning.

She said: “The story of Aladdin is actually Chinese in origin so when we started rehearing a lot of the kids were a bit confused – but it’s a brilliant story and everyone has a great time performing together.

Sarah can trace her own membership of the amateur group back to the 1960s when she appeared in New Forest Players pantos as a child. She said: “I really enjoyed doing the pantomimes – it was my favourite part of the year! New Forest Players did stop doing pantos for a few years because they are a huge amount of work – but I persuaded them to re-start in 2012 and since then we haven’t looked back.”

This year’s panto cast includes Ian Prescott as Abanazar, Tina Ward as the Spirit of the Ring, Victoria Sandford as Aladdin, Charlotte Debonnaire as Princess Jasmine, Martin Cox as Widow Twanky, Neil Philips as Wishee Washee and Claire Nicholson as the Empress.

Sarah added: “Join us as we once again visit pantoland and meet a host of zany characters, accompanying Aladdin on an amazing adventure! Packed with traditional family pantomime ingredients, magic, music and mayhem, you won’t want to miss this Genie-us Christmas production!”

With four matinees and two evening performances, Aladdin is a perfect show for the whole family. Tickets are £14 for adults and £10 for children. To book visit www.newforestplayers.com or call the box office on 01425 542414.