CHRISTMAS is slowly but steadily approaching (oh, no it isn’t) and nothing puts Brits in a festive mood more than a trip to our local pantomime.
This year the Sands Centre in Carlisle is putting on the perennial favourite show Aladdin from Monday, December 12 until Saturday, December 31.
The stars of this year’s production of Aladdin include X-Factor runner-up Marcus Collins as the genie, radio host Robbie Dee as Widow Twankey and actress and former candidate from BBC One’s The Apprentice, Amy Anzel.
Speaking to the News & Star, Amy said she was looking forward to starring as the spirit of the ring in the upcoming production.
“I’m so excited to come to Carlisle as I haven’t done a panto since 2010,” Anzel said.
“When I moved to the UK from America in 2009, I remember thinking, 'wow what is this thing called panto', and I went to see some and I was blown away.
“I’ve never been to Carlisle but I’ve heard so much about it and I can’t wait to see it.”
Pantomimes play a big part in many families' Christmas tradition and this year’s pantomime promises all the usual traditions including great songs, brilliant dance routines, comedy set pieces, fabulous costumes designs, amazing scenery... and plenty of shouting 'he’s behind you!'
“Pantomime is so uniquely British and its great entertainment for the whole family,” said Amy.
“We just don’t’ have anything like panto in America where all the family can go and each take something away from the show, so that tradition is just so lovely and special.”
The origins of pantomime go well back into the Victorian music hall tradition and beyond to the Italian school of commedia dell’arte in the 16th century.
Amy was sadly ‘fired’ in episode six - but that hasn’t stopped her business ambitions and she now combines her skincare business, Hollywood Browzer, with her acting.
“I’ll still be focusing on my business whilst doing panto as that’s just something I always do,” Amy explained.
“I do have to juggle a lot with my business and the theatre, but the saying goes - if you want something doing, ask a busy person.”
Tickets for the show are available through The Sands Centre website or can be purchased by ringing the box office on 01228 633766.
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