Panto to treasure with Aladdin at Littlehampton’s Windmill

All the colour, spectacle and fun of the traditional pantomime is set to brighten up the chilly, grey days of winter when Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society takes to the stage with Aladdin later this month.
By Roger Green
Published 5th Jan 2013, 14:00 BST

The Windmill Entertainment Centre, very much alive and well in spite of rumours circulating that it has closed, is about to be transformed to bustling Old Peking, where Widow Twankey (Tim Ede) is waiting to introduce you to her lovely sons – Aladdin (Rachel Smith) and Wishee Washee (Luke Palmer).

Aladdin has ideas above his station when he decides the only bride for him is the Emperor’s (Alec Laker) beautiful daughter Princess Mandarin (Claire Bennett).

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So, when forgotten uncle Abanazar (John Carroll) pays a visit to the Twankey family and tricks Aladdin with the promise of riches beyond his wildest dreams, he is swept away on an adventure that includes dark caves, mystic creatures, magic rings and a magic lamp that contains a powerful Genie (Ryan Jupp).

The pantomime has been directed by LMCS members Lena Hill, better known as Miss Hannigan to many, for her performance in Annie, with James Rushman as musical director – a role he also carried out for the town’s Edwin James Festival Choir and Orchestra.

Choreography is by Lena and local dance teacher Charlotte Reader.

The magic carpet is waiting to carry audiences on a ride to the far east from Wednesday to Sunday, January 16-20. Performances are at 7.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, too, and the final show on Sunday, at 4pm.

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Tickets are available only by calling the LMCS hotline on 01903 730775, priced at £13 and concessions, £12, with a special offer for the Wednesday and Thursday of two tickets for £20.

n The Gazette’s thanks to Littlehampton’s Silk Road Restaurant, in Arcade Road, for providing the exotic backdrops for our panto photo-shoot.