Full casting has been confirmed for the Hackney Empire’s 20th Anniversary pantomime Aladdin, playing at the theatre from the 24th November.
Written and directed by Susie McKenna, with musical composition by Steve Edis, Hackney Empire’s 20th anniversary pantomime is set to star Gemma Sutton (Gypsy, The Rink) in the title role, Julie Yammanee (Spamilton, Here Lies Love) as Princess Ling Mai and Empire regular Kat B as Genie of the Lamp. Clive Rowe will return to the theatre in the role of Widow Twankey – his twelfth pantomime at the venue. There will also be a Hackney homecoming for Olivier Award nominated actress, television star and comedian Tameka Empson (EastEnders) who will return to play The Empress in her sixth Empire panto and following her last stage appearance 9 years ago.
The full cast will also include: Tony Timberlake as Abanaza and Tony Whittle as Sergeant Dumplin’, Natasha Lewis as Genie of the Ring, Alim Jayda as Dishi, Michael Lin as Constable Aki and Ollie Corbett, Jonathan Norman, Saori Oda, Jacqui Sanchez, Monica Swayne and Dale White in the ensemble. The production will also feature Sharon D Clarke as the voice of Gaia, The Goddess of Light.
In the Far East End, on the island kingdom of Ha Ka Ney, young Aladdin dreams of finding love and making his fortune. When he discovers an enchanted lamp and meets a mysterious genie, it looks like all his wishes are about to come true – with the help of tap-dancing pandas and his larger-than-life mum, can he win the hand of his Princess or will an evil magician, some madcapped policemen and a very large pile of laundry stand in his way?
As well as being written and directed by Susie McKenna and original music by Steven Edis, the production will feature production design by Lotte Collett, musical direction by Mark Dickman, choreography by Richard Roe, lighting design by David Howe, sound design by Daniel Higgott, assistant direction by Matt Dempsey and creature design by Scott Brooker.
Aladdin will play at the Hackney Empire from the 24th November until the 6th January 2019. For more information visit: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin/.