Hackney Empire has today announced Aladdin as its 2018 pantomime and 20th anniversary production which will arrive in true Hackney style this Christmas as the venue marks its landmark year with the classic tale.
Susie McKenna and Steve Edis celebrate two decades at the helm of the legendary pantomime which has grown to become one of the city’s most anticipated annual highlights and a champion for culture and community in the East End. Aladdin will run from 24 November 2018 to 6 January 2019, with opening night for press on 5 December.
A cast of stars straight from the West End alongside Hackney locals will bring to life the story of young Aladdin who dreams of finding love and making his fortune. Aladdin, which was last staged at Hackney Empire in 2009, will be written and directed by Susie McKenna with original music by Steve Edis, featuring dazzling sets, big song and dance numbers plus plenty of classic pantomime comedy all played out in the iconic Victorian theatre.
Susie McKenna said: ‘It’s been nearly a decade since we last told the story of Aladdin at Hackney Empire so what better choice for Steve Edis and I for this our 20th anniversary production. Aladdin has always been one of my favourite pantomimes. It is full of magic and whilst the traditional story will be there, this year our usual Hackney Empire take on things will see Aladdin make an epic journey to the frozen wastelands to save his family and the world! If someone had told me in 1998 that we would still be entertaining London in 20 years’ time I wouldn’t have believed them. But, like in a true Hackney panto, dreams do come true, and thanks to a family of amazing creatives, actors, technicians, Hackney Empire Staff and our amazing audience, we’ve become London’s number one panto, and helped rejuvenate a wonderful theatre to boot.’
