insideKENT Magazine Issue 79 - October 2018 | Page 36
ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
YOUR THEATRE NEEDS YOU!
PANTO IS PIVOTAL TO KEEPING YOUR LOCAL THEATRE ALIVE
WITH THE NIGHTS DRAWING IN AND TEMPERATURES DROPPING, IT CAN ONLY
MEAN ONE THING...CHRISTMAS IS ON IT’S WAY! THE HAZLITT THEATRE TEAM
HAVE BEEN PLANNING FOR OVER A YEAR FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE ALADDIN CAST
IN MAIDSTONE, INCLUDING STAR OF THE SHOW RICHARD BLACKWOOD FROM
EASTENDERS, TO TAKE AUDIENCES ON A MAGICAL CARPET RIDE THIS DECEMBER.
Planning starts over year in advance to ensure
a quality cast and performance to entertain
and delight. Providing audiences with a
chance to celebrate the festive tradition of
having a giggle, a singalong and to heckle
with friends and family at Christmas – to make
precious memories.
Before the curtains go up for the first show of
Aladdin 2018, performed in the intimate 350-
seater traditional proscenium arch theatre in
Maidstone town centre, the team are already
working hard and planning for panto 2019. As
with most small local theatres, their bread-
and-butter foundation for the year ahead is
based on the success of their panto and it
plays a crucial role in the survival of town
centre theatres across the country. The Hazlitt
really does need you to treat yourself to see
Aladdin!
The first event to officially launch Aladdin 2018
was held on 20th September on the Kentish
Lady Sightseeing Boat, where the cast met
local media partners, press and special guests
for a one-hour cruise along the river to help
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excite and delight guests to promote the show
starting on 1st December.
Richard Blackwood, former Eastenders star,
actor, comedian and rapper, will lead the cast
of Aladdin at the Hazlitt Theatre this December,
as he plays the genie for Kent audiences.
Richard said: "I am so looking forward to
becoming the genie in Aladdin this Christmas
at the Hazlitt Theatre! I’ve heard that the Kent
audience truly get involved to help make a
dynamic show, so they will get the same
energy back. See you guys soon.”
Elizabeth Bright will join Richard on stage and
will play Princess Jasmine. She played
Cinderella last year in the 2017 panto at the
Hazlitt Theatre and due to the success of the
show and audience feedback, is back by
popular demand.
Aladdin 2018 cast, Hazlitt Theatre: Richard
Blackwood – Genie; Elizabeth Bright –
Princess Jasmine; Alessandro Lubrano –
Aladdin; Kivan Dene – Abanaza; David
Zachery – Wishee Washee; Tim Hudson –
Widow Twankey, and Erina Lewis – Slave of
the Ring.
For tickets and info please visit
www.hazlitttheatre.com.
Join in the fun at the Hazlitt Theatre this
Christmas on a spectacular carpet ride to Old
Peking. Follow the story of Aladdin, a simple
laundry boy who falls in love with a Princess.
All that stands in his way is the evil Abanazar
who wants to get his hands on the magic lamp
to become the greatest sorcerer of all time.
Can Aladdin defeat Abanazar, keep the lamp
and save the girl of his dreams? Book your
tickets today to find out!
More family entertainment coming soon:
Bing Live, There Was An Old Lady Who
Swallowed a Fly plus The Hazlitt Youth Theatre
present: Disney’s High School Musical and A
Christmas Carol.