It was a surprise when I got an email telling me that the cast of Aladdin at the Parr Hall in Warrington would be available for photos in September! Seems a bit early but they have to get in character, learn their parts and promote the event. Christmas will be here sooner than we think. Oh no it won’t, oh yes it will!
Do you remember the story of Aladdin?
Aladdin, a poor young man, in the fictional city of Agrabah, a common thief, falls in love with Princess Jasmine, who wants to live a free life, but he cannot marry her as he is not a prince. Jafar, a royal vizier and evil advisor with a hidden agenda, enlists Aladdin’s help to retrieve a magical lamp from the Cave Of Wonders. A funny Genie comes out of the lamp, and gives Aladdin three wishes.
Interviews first, then we take photos
As the venue is local I am more than happy to help give them coverage.
When I arrive at 3pm it is raining so the cast/actors are inside. They have a few interviews that need to be done first – all the Warrington papers and online sites are there to have a chat with them. I sit in the Parr Hall until they are available for photos.
I am told the paparazzi were at the venue earlier – why? Helen Flanagan (ex Coronation Street and I’m a Celebrity) is attracting them. She is newsworthy and will be playing ‘spirit of the ring’. She looks glamorous in her purple, floating, sparkly outfit.
After the interviews there is only myself, the venue photographer and the promoter who want to get photos. I don’t want to be in the way so try to get my shots without annoying anyone.
They all look great in their costumes
Hang on – I recognise the man walking past in a bright orange outfit. What’s his name? He was in Coronation Street as Ashley, the butcher. It’s Steven Arnold – oh no it isn’t – oh yes it is – who will be ‘wishy washy’. He is very cheerful and makes the cast laugh a lot. I can see that he will keep everyone’s spirit up when they are performing. He looks just the same as when he was in Coronation Street.
The rest of the cast are Daniel Dean as Abanazar, Anthony Proctor as Sgt Pepper, Robby Khela as Aladdin, Freya Freda as Princess Jasmine, Rob Stuart-Hudson as Dame Betty Bubbles. They all look good in their stage costumes.
It has stopped raining so we go outside to get more photos. The promoter is using a drone to get some great photos of the cast waving up to it as it hovers in the air. The cast keep getting asked to pose for shots and they make sure they look enthusiastic – very professional.
Parr Pall, Warrington 30 December to 10 January
Aladdin will be at the Parr Hall, Warrington from Wednesday 30 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027. They have a relaxed/dementia friendly performance at 9.45am on Saturday 09 January. There will be shows at 9.45am, 11.00am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm – so there must be a time to suit everyone who wants to go. Tickets are on sale now, and you can call the box office on 01925 442345.
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