Production images have now been released for the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s 2024 pantomime, Aladdin which will run alongside a full festive line up of shows at the theatre this winter.
Leading the cast in the titular role is Andre Antonio (Get Up, Stand Up): he is joined by Aleyna Mohanraj (Camelot) as Jasmine and Andrew Pepper (Mary Poppins) as Abanazaar with Summer Priest (Heathers The Musical), Francisco Gomes (Madagascar The Musical) and Laura Dawn Pyatt (SIX) as the ensemble.
Audiences will also see the return of Emmanuel Akwafo (Sex Education) as the iconic Widow Twerkey and Jodie Jacobs (Hello, Dolly!) as Genie. The duo not only starred in Sonia and Nicholai’s 2022 Jack and the Beanstalk, but also wowed the audience of West London and beyond last year in the venue’s pantomime, Cinderella.
Aladdin’s final ensemble member is SPRINGBOARD participant Isaiah James-Mitchell. Set up in 2022 by Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, SPRINGBOARD is a free training programme that provides an alternative pathway into employment for future theatre makers from currently underrepresented groups in the industry.
Your wishes have been granted—Aladdin is soaring into the Lyric this festive season. Buckle up for a whirlwind ride above the streets of Hammersmith as Aladdin and Jasmine embark on a hilarious, high-flying adventure packed with magic, mayhem, and mischief.
Following the critically acclaimed Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022, award-winning writer Sonia Jalaly and director Nicholai La Barrie join forces once again to bring a brand-new take on the magical fairy tale this festive season, continuing the Lyric’s long history of bringing some of the finest and most entertaining pantomimes to London.
The creative team for Aladdin includes: Set and Costume Design by Good Teeth; Choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento; Lighting Design by Sally Ferguson; Composition and Arrangements by Corin Buckeridge; Sound Design by Nick Manning; Musical Direction by Adam Gerber; Casting by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting; Associate Musical Director Olivia Zacharia; Assistant Director Harper K. Hefferson.
Further festivities at the Lyric continue with the return of critically acclaimed Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, adapted by Pins and Needles, running from Wednesday 20 November to Saturday 28 December in the Studio. Directed by Emma Earle, the production is filled with live music and puppetry and is perfect for under 6-year-olds and their families.
This year the Main Stage will also host additional festive “one nighters”, which include the return of internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe, on 16 December for a night of festive jazz and a Christmas party to remember. Expect special guests, gospel choirs, brass bands and singalongs.
A Merry Lyric Christmas is also back for a second year of festive fun and fundraising on 9 December hosted by Gyles Brandreth & his Christmas Jumpers. Singing and music from West London’s best choirs on the Lyric stage, and don’t miss the audience sing along! And on the 2 December Live at the Lyric returns for an evening of rib-tickling comedy from a selection of the UK’s best comedy performers, including Shazia Mirza, Jessica Fostekew and Scott Bennett, all in support of the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD programme. Final acts to be announced soon.
More information can be found here
