This week, Norfolk Canaries icon Delia Smith headed to Norwich Theatre to record the Great Spirt of Norwich for this year’s pantomime: Aladdin.
With rehearsals in full swing, Delia met the cast, including Lisa Maxwell, who is playing Professor Bellatrix Bottomburgh, and Joe Tracini, who plays Aladdin’s brother Reg and Owen Evans, who will play Dame Molly Piecrust. They were joined by West End stars Tarik Frimpong as Aladdin and Meesha Turner as Jazz.
Delia Smith has voiced the role of the Great Spirit of Norwich. The character plays an important part in the story, guiding Aladdin on his journey toward fame, fortune, and happiness.
Speaking about her role, Delia Smith said: “Recording the Great Spirit of Norwich was huge fun! It was wonderful to meet the talented cast and crew today. I know I have had a varied career, but I never thought that I would be in Norwich Theatre’s pantomime production. I cannot wait for the audience to see the show.”
Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre Creative Programs & Audiences Director and lead producer of the pantomime, said: “Delia Smith’s iconic voice will bring magic to our pantomime, Aladdin, as the Great Spirit of Norwich. As we gear up for opening night, her recorded lines are the final piece of our panto puzzle. With a little over a week to go to opening night, the excitement backstage is palpable!”
Of course the biggest question is if Norwich Theatre has included Delia’s famous line, that all audiences want to hear – but you’ll have to be having your tickets to find out if she says it!
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.
Follow Aladdin in this Genie-us Norfolk pantomime adventure as he battles evil to save his true love. Cheer and boo along this Christmas delight for the whole family. Expect colourful costumes, singing, dancing and more glitter than you could shake a magic carpet at.
Use Norwich Theatre’s Pay in Instalments to spread the cost of the cost of your panto tickets. Pay in Instalments is free to use, and no interest is added.
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
