By Alexia Saoulli
THE ANGLO-Cypriot Theatre (ACT) premieres its annual Christmas pantomime tomorrow night at the Russian Cultural Centre in Nicosia.
This year’s production is a first-time repeat for the theatre group – of its 1991 success Aladdin .
It is a magical tale of a boy, his mother, a princess, a wicked magician and a genie and is a mixture of comedy, song and dance, with a love theme coursing throughout.
The parts of Princess Moonflower and Aladdin provide the romantic interest.
This year, ACT newcomer, Natasha Johnson, plays the part of Princess Moonflower and according to a theatre spokesperson, ” sings a wonderful rendition of Céline Dion’s Titanictheme song, ‘My Heart will go on'” .
As all pantomime lovers know, a woman always plays the part of Aladdin. But this year ACT’s long-time member Oscar Kyriakides has secured the role.
Kyriakides has starred in numerous pantomimes, as well as directing a number of them in the past.
The genie is played by John Faith, who ” makes an impact as a vision in pink”in what the organisers promise will be a ” wonderful night for both parents and their children” .
Vince Allan, who made his ACT debut last year, plays the part of Widow Twankey, Aladdin’s mother and should secure insurmountable laughs.
Experienced director Jo Taylor, who has directed and acted in a number of ACT plays, directs this year’s pantomime.
Her most recent direction was last summer’s Shakespeare play As You Like It . However, this is her first time directing a pantomime.
The opening performances are on tomorrow with a matinée at 3.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm. Two more performances will be on on Sunday at the same time.
On Wednesday, December 5, there will be an evening performance at 7.30pm.
On December 8, there will be two pantomime performances at 3.30pm and 7.30pm closing with a final matinée performance at 3.30pm on December 9.
Tickets cost £5 and £6 for the final matinée and are on sale at the Russian Cultural Centre, Monday-Friday, from 4pm-6pm, or from Susan Grant on 22- 329393.
The final performances have always been well over-subscribed.
” The matinées nearly always sell out and what often happens is that everyone wants to come the second weekend, but can’t always get seats, whereas there are seats available during the first weekend, especially for the evening performances”said a theatre spokesperson.
To avoid disappointment, ACT are therefore encouraging people to book tickets as soon as possible.
Remaining tickets will also be available at the door.
