THE North West’s biggest panto is well and truly under way at the Millennium Forum with Aladdin currently performing to thousands of excited local children in the run up to Christmas.
Stealing the show this year is everyone’s favourite Dame – Wido
w Twankey, aka comedian, William Caulfield, who, with his acid tongue and hilarious antics, has everyone in the first few rows of the theatre fearful of his approach.
The night we attended the panto, the poor woman who occupied the “wrong seat” had her handbag searched by Widow Twankey and the contents revealed to the whole audience!
Nuala - for we got to know ALL about her - was referenced right through the performance by Twankey and the rest of the gang. I won’t reveal exactly which seat she was in, just in case you might be planning a trip to the Millennium Forum...
This is William Caulfield’s fourth year in panto at the Millennium Forum and his second year playing the Dame. Whilst he doesn’t particularly enjoy dressing up in women’s clothes, he absolutely loves the transformation that his outrageous costumes bring, allowing him to become the most memorable Panto Dame of them all!
William leads a hugely talented cast that includes Lurgan man, Conleth Kane as Aladdin, Gerard McCabe as the lovable but very silly, Wishy Washy, Daneka Greig as the beautiful Princess Jasmine and local funnyman, Paddy Taylor as the hilarious, Chinese Policeman. Not forgetting, of course, the traditional panto ‘baddie’, James Lecky as the evil Abanazar. Get ready to boo and hiss!
A show-stopping singer, Conleth certainly had a band of admirers in the audience on the night we attended. His appearance was greeted with screams from the young..and some not so young...fans!
Coleraine actor Hugh McLaughlin was in fine form as the Genie - again a fine singer with his performance showing shades of Jim Carrey.
Gerard McCabe as Wishy Washy was a firm favourite with the children and provided the catchphrase of the show - my two are still running around shouting Wicky Wicky Woo!
And, as for the alternative version of Twelve Days of Christmas by Widow Twankey, Wishy Washy and the policeman, let’s just say the original will never sound as good.
ALADDIN performs at the Millennium Forum until Sunday 3rd January. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.
