Find your inner ‘Genie-us’… will you be next pantomime star? Catford panto are looking for South London actors
BY CALUM FRASER calum@slpmedia.co.uk
Theatre chiefs are looking for the next Broadway star to play the Genie in a blockbuster panto and it could be you.
Pantomime is returning to the Broadway Theatre, Catford in Aladdin, and producers Selladoor Worldwide have opened up a competition for actors or singers interested in taking on the Genie of the Lamp role.
This is a chance to tread the boards and follow in the footsteps of previous panto greats in Catford including John Altman, Keith Chegwin, Lenny Henry, Paul Shane, Shane Ritchie and Lulu.
A shortlist will be put forward for a public vote to South London Press readers where the final selection will perform in a live final at the Broadway Theatre on September 7 when a winner will be chosen.
It’s time to find your inner ‘Genie-us’ and be crowned Broadway’s Best.
The winner of Broadway’s Best will be joined on stage by CBeebies favourite Joanna Adeyinka-Burford as Princess Blossom (pictured), funny man Wayne Rollins as Abanazar, Melissa Nettleford as the Spirit of the Ring and Samuel Freeman as Wishy Washy.
Ms Adeyinka-Burford said: “‘I’m so excited to be part of Aladdin in Catford this Christmas.
“I’m local to the area and it’s great to see such a fantastic family tradition being brought back to life.
“I love that Selladoor are getting the local community involved, it’s what panto is all about and I’m looking forward to working with such a professional company and performing on a historical stage.
“I hope to see you there this Christmas for lots of panto fun. It’s going to be great.”
Aladdin is brought to the stage by theatre producers Selladoor, whose most recent large scale UK tours include Flashdance The Musical, Fame The Musical, Madagascar The Musical and Footloose.
A spokeswoman for Selladoor said: “Marking the triumphant return of pantomime to The Broadway Theatre, Aladdin will celebrate all things South-east London.
“It promises lamp loads of traditional family fun and all of your favourite panto ingredients.
Tickets are on sale now for you to meet brave Aladdin, the rebellious Princess, the larger than life Widow Twankey and be part of Wishee-Washee’s gang.”
The Broadway theatre on Catford Road, is a Grade II listed building built in 1932.
It has two auditoriums, an 800-seat main theatre and a small 80-seat studio theatre.
To enter the contest to star in the pantomime, visit www.selladoor.com to submit your entry including a short video performance of you singing your greatest showstopper.
Book your tickets at www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 0208 690 0002.