Aladdin will be the Hackney Empire’s 20th anniversary pantomime this Christmas – here’s how to book tickets
Hackney Empire will stage Aladdin as their 20th anniversary pantomime for Christmas 2018.
The Hackney Empire’s yearly pantomime is a staple of the east London arts calendar, and one of the capital’s most revered Christmas theatrical spectacles.
Aladdin will run from 24 November 2018 – 6 January 2019 and will unite some of the West End’s biggest names with local Hackney talent, although no cast have yet been announced.
Hackney Empire creatives Susie McKenna and Steve Edis, who have written and directed the show including the score, are reintroducing the classic pantomime to the Empire for the first time since 2009.
Susie Mckenna was Creative Director at the Hackney Empire for 7 years and left her post in January 2017.
(Show creator Susie McKenna)
“Aladdin has always been one of my favourite pantomimes. It is full of magic and whilst the traditional story will be there, this year our usual Hackney Empire take on things will see Aladdin make an epic journey to the frozen wastelands to save his family and the world!” said Susie McKenna.
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“If someone had told me in 1998 that we would still be entertaining London in 20 years’ time I wouldn’t have believed them. But, like in a true Hackney panto, dreams do come true, and thanks to a family of amazing creatives, actors, technicians, Hackney Empire Staff and our amazing audience, we’ve become London’s number one panto, and helped rejuvenate a wonderful theatre to boot.”
Susie and Steve’s 20-year-long partnership at the Hackney Empire has seen the theatre win awards, and international acclaim.
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The familiar tale begins on the outskirts of Peking, where the young Aladdin’s hopes and aspirations include finding love and financial fortune.
Aladdin uncovers a mysterious lamp and a genie, which sets the scene for a boundlessly creative journey of discovery – expect tap-dancing pandas, a Monkey Queen and a beautiful Princess.
Aladdin takes on an evil magician and some bent policemen in his quest to save the world.
Hackney Empire are proud to announce two signed performances of Aladdin on Saturday 8 December and Thursday 13 December.
A dementia-friendly performance will take place on 8 December and a relaxed and signed performance will run 8 December.
Book tickets to Aladdin at the Hackney Empire by visiting the venue’s official website
