"Aladdin" is 1970 Pantomime

Oboyoboyoboy! It's panto season again and we're going to hand out some advice - free, gratis and for nothing. "Aladdin" will play for an eightday season. Bookings have opened. Our advice? Book Now! Sounds like an advertisement, doesn't it. It's not. It's a plea from us to you not to hesitate too long or your children will not have the greatest laugh since the panto "Cinderella" two years ago. We called in to see the cast at rehearsal recently and we guarantee you a tremendous treat. This is Nelson Repertory's most spectacular and ambitious production. Wellington producer David Tinkum, assisted by Nelson's Barbara Campbell, is producing the show.

Aladdin (Janice Coote) finds the lamp and speculates on its value.

Comedy team, Twanky, Aladdin's mum (Brian Davis) seen here taking a tumble, and Policeman (Wally Duff)

Flanked by maids-in-waiting and guards, the Princess (Winsome Watson) is carried in her palanquin. Leading the procession is the Grand Vizier (Vic Stevens) and, at the rear, her intended husband, Prince Pekoe (Ernie Leaning).

Aladdin, about to get the chopper wielded by Guard Tony Yetton, is saved by the Princess at the last moment.

Emperor Bill Sim and the Grand Vizier find a way out of the Emperor's financial difficulties.

Fairy of the Ring (Sharon O'Neill)

The wicked magician Abanazar (Gerry Stewart), Aladdin and Twanky celebrate a business deal with a little dance

And while the cast is rehearsing, back stage crew Eric Leaning and Grahame Haydon are hard at it making up some of the lavish sets.

Costumes are being fitted, and here Gaile French (a dancer) gets a hand from choreographer Yvonne King while Prue Walsh and Janet Langbein take an interest in proceedings.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Nelson Photo News

No 121 : November 14, 1970

"Aladdin" is 1970 Pantomime