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 36 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.