MEDIA RELEASE
03 November 2005
Written by Karen Louise Hebden
Directed by Stephen Edwards
Magical theatre, including the tale of Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
Arabian Nights - a magical festive delight
Saturday 03 December - Saturday 28 January (Previews 3 December - 7 December)
Derby Playhouse are presenting a magical and spectacular show this Christmas, Arabian Nights, on stage from 3 December. The show includes well known favourites such as Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and will also feature a host of other exciting tales inspired by the Tales of a Thousand and One Nights.
These are the fabulous and magical tales that saved the life of Shahrazad, whose husband the Sultan executed each of his brides after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Shahrazad always withheld the ending. A thousand and one nights later her life was spared forever.
Comedy, romance and music make this a Christmas treat for everyone from aged 6 years upwards.
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves are stories from childhood that conjure images of glittering treasure caves, magical wishes and cries of 'open sesame' and 'new lamps for old'. This is classic storytelling, brought to life by the beautiful and wise Shahrazad and sprinkled with the magic and mystery of long ago.
International musical star, Glenn Carter, who has previously appeared at Derby Playhouse as Robert in the hit musical Company will play the Sultan. Glenn will perform songs especially written for the show which will be accompanied by a live band of four musicians led by musical director and composer, Kelvin Towse (from Matlock), who was the musical director for Derby Playhouse's 2003 festive spectacular A Christmas Carol.
Playing Shahrazad is Kirsty Yates who appeared as Helena in Derby Playhouse's 2004 production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Alongside Kirsty are a number of faces returning to the Derby Playhouse stage including Christopher Chilton (Can't Pay? Won't Pay!), Lucien MacDougall (Arsenic and Old Lace) and Josephine Welcome (My Dad's Corner Shop).
STARS GATHER TO LAUNCH CITY'S PANTO
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24 June 2005
Stars Cannon and Ball and Amy Black gathered in Kingston Square to launch this year's Hull pantomime.
Dick Whittington will run from December 15 to January 14 at Hull New Theatre.
TEMPERATURES may have soared to a sizzling 28C, but in a quiet corner of Hull the winter season was already here.
Hull New Theatre's 2005 pantomime looks set to bring a smile to the faces of fans young and old as comedy duo Cannon and Ball, and Hull singer Amy Black launched the classic tale of Dick Whittington.
It is 13 years since Cannon and Ball last appeared at Hull New Theatre, also for Dick Whittington.
Sporting his trademark grin, Tommy Cannon, who will play the captain, said he was delighted to be back in Hull.
He said: "Pantomime is a special time of the year.
"For the children that come to watch, it's probably their first introduction to theatre and it will leave a lasting memory, so it's important they enjoy it.
"Pantomime is getting more popular every year and we are looking forward to the show."
Bobby Ball, who will play the captain's mate in Dick Whittington, said: "Friendly staff are what makes a theatre and that's why we are excited about coming back to Hull.
"There's a great atmosphere and we are always made to feel very welcome."
Produced by Qdos Entertainment, which is staging 20 pantomimes across the country this year, Dick Whittington will be brought to life with fairytale scenery and lavish costumes.
Opera star Amy Black, who will play the role of the fairy and was brought up in Hedon, is delighted to be performing on home turf at Christmas.
She said: "This is my first pantomime and it's very different to my usual opera.
"I enjoy making people laugh and this will be a great opportunity to do that.
"I'm currently working with the English National Opera in the West End and some of the people from there will be coming along, as well as my family."
Paul Elliot, executive producer of the show, produced his first pantomime in Hull in 1968.
He said: "The scenery is very ambitious and rehearsals will start soon."
Dick Whittington will also star Paul Burnham, who played Vince Fontaine in the UK tour of Grease, as Sarah the Cook.
The person to play Dick Whittington is yet to be confirmed.
The show will run from December 15 to January 14. Tickets cost from £11.50 to £17.50.
To book, call the box office on (01482) 226655
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