Norwich Theatre’s pantomime Aladdin has broken Norwich Theatre records. More than a whopping 48,000 visitors came to see Joe Tracini, Lisa Maxwell, Tarik Frimpong, Meesha Turner, and Owen Evans retell the magical story of Aladdin with a Norfolk twist.
With 23 sell-out performances, Norwich Theatre welcomed audiences from far and wide. Audience members spanned 19 different countries, including Australia, the USA, Singapore, and, of course, the UK. Not only that, but 18% of those who came to see the show visited Norwich Theatre for the first time.
Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre Creative Programmes & Audiences Director and lead producer of the pantomime said: “I absolutely love creating a brand new pantomime each year for our audiences, and it brings me so much joy to see them enjoying it as much as I do.
“This year’s Aladdin was set in Norwich on the Verge, featured a hugely talented cast and made for the perfect festive treat. It is fantastic to welcome so many new faces who are experiencing theatre for the first time.”
Aladdin received strong reviews, with the EDP giving the show 5 out of 5 stars. The Norfolk Local Guide described it as a “spellbinding, laugh-out-loud experience.” The Lynn News called it “magical and hilarious” and the most Norfolk show they had seen.
Well over 3,000 tickets were gifted to foodbank users, charities supporting refugees and asylum seekers, and charities supporting those who would ordinarily be unable to attend the panto.
The theatre has raised over £20,000 in its Christmas Appeal so far. This year’s Christmas Appeal raised money to help Norwich Theatre bring the joy of creativity to people who may face barriers to exploring it on their own. Fundraising included more than £12,000 donated into buckets at Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Theatre Playhouse performances throughout December, a Christmas Appeal Raffle raising over £2,000, and £1,000 donated by Christmas Appeal Partner, K Foley Limited to make wishes come true.
The support means that Norwich Theatre can ensure that children, young people and families can access life-changing creative experiences. Every donation will help Norwich Theatre provide accessible creative activities and remove barriers for families to get creative together, who otherwise might not have the chance. There is still time to donate to the Christmas Appeal online and with bucket collections at Karl Minns Looks Back at 2024… With She Go and Friends at Norwich Theatre Playhouse.
Meanwhile, the 2025/26 pantomime has been announced as Cinderella (6 Dec 25 – 4 Jan 26) Norwich Theatre is offering an Early Bird Offer of 20% discount off all performances for tickets in Band A – C booked before 31 Jan. Terms and conditions apply.
The show promises to be a charming production bursting with magic, glitter, and more chances to cheer than your heart could desire.
