Preview: Aladdin at Simonside Community Centre

Aladdin

Simonside Community Centre in Westerhope. Newcastle 

Thursday 6^th - Sunday 23^rd December 2018

 

Mendes Management proudly present the pantomime Aladdin, written and Directed by Dale Meeks. Dale started his professional acting career at the age of 14 in the smash hit BBC drama 'Byker Grove'. Also known for his role as fishmonger Simon Meredith in 'Emmerdale', Dale has appeared in over twenty pantomimes starring alongside Mickey Rooney and Paul Michael Glaser and has written and directed at least twenty more.  This Christmas sees Dale return to the Manchester Royal Exchange theatre in a revival of Mel Brooks comedy musical 'The Producers'.

Mendes Management received great reviews for their debut pantomime at the NE6 Suite last year. The North East Theatre Guide said it had “a sense of fun and enjoys both a likeable, hardworking cast and a funny script.” They're back this Christmas with the ever popular tale of Aladdin with an array of North East actors. The main aim this year is to make panto available to all so they have joined forces with Newcastle West End Foodbank.

        

John McCorry, Ceo said: 'At this very special time of the year we are delighted to be part of the wonder that is Aladdin. The organisers and audience will play a huge part in helping us to fight food poverty this Christmas'

Craig Richardson, our fabulous Wishee Washee, started performing at the Pier Pavilion in South Shields for the Westovians, where he has performed in over 38 of their productions and at least 15 of their pantomimes. He then went on to perform professionally in panto at the Customs House. Craig performed at the Metro Radio Arena this year in 'Sunday for Sammy'.  He also performed as Muddles in last years production of Snow White at the NE6 Suite.

Local actor Luke Maddison, who is playing Aladdin, has gained roles in stage and screen as well as radio and Opera. He made is first television appearance in an episode of 'Inspector George Gently' (BBC). Most recently Luke was very proud to be a part of the Northern Stage in house production of 'The war of the worlds'. He also performed in “When the boat comes in” World premiere at the Customs house theatre in the summer.

Playing alongside Luke is Lucy Marie Curry playing his Princess. Lucy trained at Sage Academy of Performing Arts and has been working professionally around the UK. Some of her credits include; Suffragette - Alphabetti Theatre, Stand By Me - The Drifters UK tour, Preservation - Live Theatre Live Lab, ‘84  Mary Shelley in Frankenstein - North East Tour, 'Sunday For Sammy'.

Abanazar played by Michael Geddes. Michael an Art teacher is the set designer and artist for our fantastic Aladdin sets and scenery. Whilst teaching he practised his other love, the theatre, and has been involved in many productions both amateur and professional. As an actor, singer, director and designer, he has performed and worked at most of the major theatres throughout the region, most notably at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.

Steven Charles Stobbs from Sunderland is our very beautiful Dame, 'Widow Twankey'.He became a member of the National Youth theatre at 18 and started his professional career playing roles in musicals around the UK and Europe. This will be Steven's 5th time playing a Panto Dame in the North East. Most recently toured performing in Butcher's Bill with Canny Craic productions and performed Griffin's man in 'The Big Time' up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this Summer.

Also in the Aladdin cast are Jayne Mackenzie who will be playing The Genie and one of the policemen. Jayne trained at Italia Conti Stage School television credits: 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet', 'Supergran', 'Spender' and 'Byker Grove'.

And Janine Leigh as The Slave of the Ring and policeman. Previous theatre credits include A Piece of Cake, Stepping Out, Blithe Spirit and currently A Night in Provence at The Mill Theatre, Sonning. Janine also played the Fairy-godmother in last years production of Snow White at the NE6 Suite.

Chantal McCartney, choreographer -CM School of Dance pupils are our dancers and mini Genies this year.

Tickets:

Aladdin will run at the Simonside Community Centre in Westerhope. Newcastle  NE5 4LQ   From the 6th - 23^rd December 2018

Tickets for Aladdin are already available from the box office on 07766 335055 or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mendesmanagement