A Norfolk Canaries icon is to voice the Great Spirit of Norwich in this year’s Norwich Theatre pantomime: Aladdin.
Speaking about her role, Delia Smith said: “I am delighted to join the Norwich Theatre panto and can’t wait for it to kick off! Pantomime is such a wonderful tradition and a fantastic opportunity to bring joy and laughter to our community.
Stephen Crocker Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, said: “In every production of Aladdin, the spirit is a hugely important part of the story as its presence and influence looks after and guides the hero of the story on his journey towards his fame, fortune and happiness.
“As Delia and Michael come to the end of their time as the guiding spirits of Norwich City Football Club, I couldn’t think of a more fun and appropriate way to mark this than to enrol Delia in the Norwich Panto Hall of Fame as the voice of the spirit in this year’s Theatre Royal Panto.
“I am so thrilled that she agreed with her usual sense of fun and in the Panto setting of Norwich on the Verge this Christmas her voice will play the role of the Great Spirit of Norwich. A Norwich icon in every sense.”
Every year, Norwich Theatre donates pantomime tickets to those in the community who might not be able to attend otherwise. In the spirit of working with Delia and her connection to the football club, Norwich Theatre has this year donated tickets to Norwich City Community Sports Foundation to distribute to families they support and those in their community who might not have been able to experience theatre before.
Delia will join legend Joe Tracini, who is back in Norwich’s panto for his fifth year. He will be playing Aladdin’s brother Reg and getting up to his usual mayhem, trying to help his family’s pie shop get through troubling times. West End star Tarik Frimpong plays the loveable Aladdin alongside the talented Meesha Turner, who adds glamour to Jazz. Watch out for the mischievous Lisa Maxwell (from The Bill and Loose Women) as she plays the evil Aunt and Norfolk Nimmo Twin Owen Evans as Widow Molly Piecrust.
Get ready to be dazzled by colourful costumes, infectious singing, and electrifying dancing. With more glitter than you could shake a magic carpet at, Aladdin promises to be a true Christmas delight for the whole family.
Aladdin offers a range of accessible performances, including audio description, BSL interpretation, captioning, and relaxed performance.
During panto season, kids eat free at Norwich Theatre’s restaurant Prelude. Any child under the age of 12 will receive a child’s main course and dessert free when accompanied by an adult purchasing a two or three-course meal.
Aladdin opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 7 Dec 24, and runs over Christmas and New Year until 5 Jan 25.
Book online at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000
