Get ready for a dazzling adventure as CBeebies and CBBC star, Evie Pickerill, brings her sparkle and charm to the stage as the Spirit of the Ring in this year’s Aladdin!
Joining the cast is Paul Hawkyard, returning for his third pantomime at York Theatre Royal as the villainous Ivan Tobebooed, having previously played Captain Hook in Peter Pan and Mardy in Cinderella.
Sario Solomon (from Let It Shine and Grease) makes his York debut as the heroic Aladdin, alongside the talented Emily Tang and the hilarious Tommy Carmichael, promising a star-studded production full of laughs and excitement.
Once again, the show will be written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster — the creative duo behind the smash-hit Jack and the Beanstalk. With lavish sets, unforgettable comedy, and spectacular special effects, Aladdin is set to be our most magical pantomime yet!
A fun-filled extravaganza for the whole family, this year’s pantomime promises to enchant and entertain, but with tickets selling fast, don’t miss your chance to grab the best seats at the best prices — before they vanish like a flying carpet!
York panto favourite Robin Simpson, known for his memorable roles as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk, Mrs. Smee in All New Adventures of Peter Pan, and Manky in Cinderella, is returning for another unmissable performance.
We spoke to Simpson about his upcoming role in the pantomine!
Q: Robin, you’re taking on the iconic role of Dame Dolly in this year’s Aladdin at York Theatre Royal. What drew you to the role, and how do you make it your own while staying true to traditional panto expectations?
Robin Simpson:
I feel I’ve made the role my own by not really studying what other pantomime dames are doing. I would feel a fake doing that. I see the Dame as an extension of my own personality. It’s easier to improvise and ad-lib if the character you are portraying is similar to yourself. The Dame is such an important gure in British Theatre and I’m very honoured to have been asked to play her in the panto at YTR.
Q: Pantomime dames are known for their larger-than-life personalities and comedic timing. How do you approach creating that balance between humour and heart in your performance as Dame Dolly?
Robin Simpson:
I think it’s important to never be cruel in your comedy as the Dame. My aim is to lift everyone’s spirits. I will never mock someone’s appearance or name. In every show I pick on a man in the audience and I hope that it’s not something they dread. I try to make it so that they are glad they were chosen when they leave the theatre. I would much prefer them to book their seats near the front on purpose in the future, in the hope they will be chosen. I would feel like I’ve succeeded if that was the case.
Q: How do you find working with the rest of the cast, especially in a lively production like Aladdin? Can you share any memorable behind-the-scenes moments or camaraderie with your fellow performers?
Robin Simpson:
The cast this year, and every year, are a delight. Working with Paul Hawkyard again is very welcome, after an hiatus lat year. He is one of the funniest men I’ve ever met and I can’t wait to get on stage with him again.
Q: Pantomime is such an interactive experience for the audience, with lots of call-and-response moments. How do you prepare for the unpredictability of live audience reactions, especially with a role like Dame Dolly that thrives on audience engagement?
Robin Simpson:
I’m not sure you can prepare. As you say, it’s unpredictable. The most you can consider is what is likely to happen and prep for that. However, unpredictability is part of what makes pantomime so great and it keeps your performance from getting stale during a long run.
Q: Costume and makeup are such a big part of playing a panto dame. Can you tell us about the transformation process and how you feel when you first step into Dame Dolly’s wardrobe and persona?
Robin Simpson:
I don’t wear a great deal of make-up for a number of reasons. Wearing a lot of make-up won’t make me any funnier. I would also rather not spend what little time I do have o over Christmas putting on and taking o my face. I was once a Dame many years ago and the company insisted I wear it all: false eyelashes, big lips and blue and white eye shadow. Quite traditional stu really but it took me ages to put on. We had a slosh scene just before the interval and I would have to almost completely re-do my face for the second half. That put me o that sort of thing. I let my costumes do the talking and luckily for me, they are fantastic.
Q: Finally, what are you most excited for audiences to take away from Aladdin this year?
Robin Simpson:
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I hope people leave with immense joy in their hearts. We aim to give everyone, of all ages, simply a really great evenings entertainment. If they leave the theatre giggling and chatting about their favourite bit, I’ll be happy.
About Aladdin at York Theatre Royal
Aladdin runs from Tue 03 Dec 2024 – Sun 05 Jan 2025 at York Theatre Royal. For tickets and more information, visit the theatre’s website.
