Stars Launch Darlington Hippodrome Pantomime ALADDIN

Three stars of the festive, family pantomime made a brief visit to Darlington Hippodrome for the official press launch of Aladdin which runs from Saturday 8 December to Sunday 6 January.

The irrepressible Louie Spence who will be playing the Spirit of the Ring, lost no time in getting to know the layout of the new theatre on his first visit to Darlington while Zoe Birkett and Liam Mellor felt right at home having appeared last year in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Television personality, presenter and choreographer Louie Spence pirouetted into the nation's consciousness thanks to the overwhelming success of Sky One's Pineapple Dance Studios and Louie Spence's Showbusiness, solidifying Louie's reputation as an expert on all things dance. In addition to his television experience Louie has enjoyed an extensive stage career appearing in Miss Saigon and Cats and danced alongside Take That and the Spice Girls. Louie will play the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin, his ninth foray into pantomime, bringing with him the high kicks and high jinks he's best known for.

West End leading lady, Darlington-born Zoe Birkett, will star as the beautiful Princess Jasmine having played the Wicked Queen in last year's pantomime, a role for which she was nominated for Best Female Villain at this year's Great British Pantomime Awards.

Having been propelled to fame by entering Pop Idol in 2002, Zoe quickly solidified her reputation as a stunning vocalist, actress, presenter and pantomime star. Her stage roles include Diva in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre, lead vocalist in What a Feeling, Respect La Diva and Thriller Live in London's West End, Maureen in Rent at the Greenwich Theatre and Dion in the infamous musical Hair in Zurich. She went on to star as Rachel Marron in the critically-acclaimed UK tour of The Bodyguard in the role made famous by the late Whitney Houston. Zoe is currently starring in the UK tour of Rock of Ages.

Also back for more is Liam Mellor who stars as Wishee Washee, the hapless but hilarious brother to the high-flying hero Aladdin. Alongside his feature film appearances in Yellow Ribbon, Kick It Out and Jack Falls Liam is highly sought after on the comedy circuit and in the world of pantomime where he delights audiences with his infectious, 'cracking' humour every year.

The star cast line up is completed by Robin Askwith as the evil Abanazar while Eric Potts returns in the role of Widow Twankey. Aladdin flies into Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 8 December 2018 to Sunday 6 January 2019. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Aladdin is supported locally by LNER.

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