Christmas comes early to the North Wales coast as Sleeping Beauty panto launches in Llandudno. Here at Darwin Escapes, we LOVE Christmas so when we were asked to attend this year’s Venue Cymru pantomime launch in Llandudno, how could we say no?

It may be a bit early to start talking about the festive season but in the theatre calendar pantomime is a BIG thing so it’s Christmas all year round as far as we are concerned!

Venue Cymru rolled out the red carpet exactly 6 months to Christmas Day and welcomed its pantomime cast to join a Loose Women panel style press launch to honour, this year’s panto lead, Sherrie Hewson’s time on the hit ITV show.

Sherrie Hewson posing for a photo at the sleeping beauty press day

Sherrie will be playing Nurse Temple Savage in the 2019 pantomime and returns to the theatre following her recent role in Benidorm Live which visited the coastal town earlier this year, The star is best known for her roles on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and of course the legendary Carry On films.

Sherrie even announced during the launch that she is planning to make North Wales her permanent home this year so we hope to see plenty more of her!

Talking about her pantomime experience Sherrie said: “I’ve done lots of them. I think the first one was Russ Abbott in Southampton. Then, of course, I used to play Jack as principal boy.

“I did play a Dame once. It was disastrous. If you’re a woman, it doesn’t work. So there has to be some tradition left.”

Cast member from sleeping beauty panto posing for a photo with his puppet

Joining Sherrie on stage will be Kieran Powell as Muddles. He will also be bringing along some friends. He has featured on Britain’s Got Talent and appeared in London’s West End and will be bringing ventriloquism to this year’s production. We were treated to a sneak peek of what to expect with a brief rendition of Sweet Caroline by Dave the Dinosaur.

Sleeping beauty's Dame posing for a photo

Nigel Ellacott will also be joining the cast as this year’s beloved Dame. With 45 years in pantomime, Sleeping Beauty will mark his fourth at Venue Cymru. He is previously known for a 28-year partnership with Peter Robbins as the Ugly Sisters.

His outfit at the press launch was just a small glimpse into the array of fabulous frocks he has in store for his December performance, all of which are made by himself!

At the press launch when being asked which he prefers, either working with a partner or on his own Nigel Ellacott replied: “I prefer the Queen in Sleeping Beauty because the last time I did it here, (was) with the lovely John Evans and we had such a ball, we had such a gorgeous time. It’s a fabulous story and it’s just pure magic!”

Sarah Ecob, Venue Cymru’s General Manager said: “Panto is such an important part of people’s Christmas’ and giving them a first class show is paramount, this casting is only going to reiterate what our audiences have come to expect and love from a Qdos Entertainment Production.”

So if the launch is anything to go by, you’ll be in for a comedy filled and magical treat when you see Sleeping Beauty this December!


get your discounted tickets to the sleeping beauty panto at venue cymru

Once again the little elves at Venue Cymru have offered a festive treat to all of our Darwin Escapes owners and holiday guests. That’s right… an exclusive discount for the 2019 Christmas pantomime!

If you’re looking to stay with us at one of our North Wales holiday resorts this December then you’ll not want to miss the Sleeping Beauty pantomime extravaganza featuring the one and only Sherrie Hewson!

You can get tickets for just £17.50 each (instead of the going-rate of £26.50!) if you use the Darwin Escapes code below:

*discount code has now expired*


Sleeping Beauty promises to bring plenty of fun, laughter and family entertainment to the seaside town of Llandudno from December 7th to 29th. Book your tickets today via the Venue Cymru Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit their website.

 

back to blog

Head to Club Tropicana in Llandudno for a dose of Spanish holiday fever and comedy galore! Club Tropicana really does pack the holiday punch – grab your sangria and get ready for a lot of laughs, as the cast really do provide a night of comedy to remember.

The storyline centres on a young couple, Lorraine and Olly, who are due to get wed (set in the 80s) but when Lorraine gets cold feet, her mum and best friend persuade her to use her honeymoon as a chance to start again. Little do they know, that her groom and his best men also go on a lad’s holiday and end up checking into the same hotel, Club Tropicana.

Cast of club tropicana posing for a photo

Now, I might not have been born in the 80s but BOY do I love the music from the decade (give me a bit of Cher, Wham!, David Bowie or Yazoo any day!). This musical oozes 80s vibes, with plenty of neon colours and hints to the decade such as the brick mobile phone, the use of Pesetas and not Euros and of course shoulder pads, lots of shoulder pads!

The whole cast provide a feast for the eyes and ears and it’s packed full of well-known stars, including Neil McDermott probably best known as Ryan Malloy in Eastenders and Amelle Berrabah a former member of the Sugababes. It really is a jam-packed musical with super vocals especially from Karina Hind (Lorraine) and Cellen Chugg Jones (Olly) who made it look effortless to sing the high notes in Take on Me!

Joe McElderry in Club tropicana at Venue Cymru

I’ve wanted to see Joe McElderry perform live for years (probably since he won X Factor back in 2009!) and I was certainly not disappointed to see him take on the over the top camp performance of his character, hotel entertainer, Garry. He had audiences in stitches throughout the show and his final performance of Relax had me singing all the way home.

Kate Robbins plays Spanish cleaner Consuela and produces some fantastic impressions from Cilla Black to Shirley Bassey, Maggie Thatcher and Tina Turner – you name it, she can do it. Her comic timing was adored by audiences and her famous sign (you’ll have to see it to know what I mean!) became an iconic talking point throughout the musical. For me, she stole the show.

It was also great to see Rebecca Mendoza back on stage. I first saw her in Hairspray the UK Tour last year at Venue Cymru and thought she was fantastic so when I found out she was also in this UK tour of Club Tropicana I couldn’t wait to see her take on another role. She packed her character, Tracey, full of comedy, I was laughing every time she came on stage and her Cher outfit was one of my favourites of the night (where can I get one of those!?).

Photo of the cast performing in Club Tropicana

Sadly I was a bit disappointed that the title track was missing but the production more than made up for it with the likes of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Relax and Call Me to name just a few of the 80s bangers performed on the night!

If you loved Benidorm Live earlier this year then you’ll love Club Tropicana. It’s packed full of comedy but is also the perfect tonic for a good boogie and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the sunshine!


So what are you waiting for? Find those neon leg warmers and head down Venue Cymru to catch Club Tropicana! You’ve got until Saturday 29th June

Tickets start from just £19.50! To book your tickets just call the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website.

back to blog

The summer season at Llandudno’s theatre offers plenty the whole family can watch and enjoy. From murder mystery plays, live performances from CBeebies stars and a visit from three of Strictly Come Dancing’s much loved professional dancers.

To help you choose from the show-stopping line up on offer during the Summer months we’ve created this ‘top picks’ blog.

So keep reading to find a show that takes your fancy!


one night of queen

When: 22nd June

Do you or someone you know LOVE Queen? If so this show is the one for you!

This spectacular show will showcase all of the best Queen classics from one of the best rock bands of all time and it promises to ROCK you!

Tickets are £24.50
Photo of a queen tribute act


club tropicana

When: 24th – 29th June

Joe McElderry is leading the cast of Club Tropicana, a musical packed full of 80’s bangers! So grab your flip-flops and head to Venue Cymru for the ultimate feel-good holiday musical.

Get ready for a set of 80’s pop anthems, performed live on stage, including Just Can’t get Enough, Take on Me and the Look of Love and many more!

Tickets from £19.50
Promo poster for the Club Tropicana the musical


here come the boys

When: 19th July

That’s right three of Strictly Come Dancing’s most loved professional dancers, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Gorka Marquez are taking to the Llandudno stage for ONE night only!

They’re going to be having a dance off battle with each other showcasing Latin, Ballroom and contemporary dance. With live music from Elizabeth Troy (formerly with Clean
Bandit) covering the likes of J.Lo, Bruno Mars, Gloria Estefan and much more!

Limited Availability! Tickets from £26.50
Promo poster for here come the boys


the mousetrap

When: 12th – 17th August

Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap has been adapted for the stage and will be heading out on a UK tour in 2019. It is well known for keeping its audiences guessing and is becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre.

Be prepared to be held in suspense as you try to guess which mysterious character is responsible in this twisting mystery drama.

So get your detective hats at the ready and enjoy a night of thrilling live dramatic theatre.

Tickets from £20
Promo poster for the mousetrap theatre performance


in the night garden

When: 31st – 1st September

That’s right! The BAFTA award-winning CBeebies children’s TV show, ‘In the Night Garden’, is returning to the Llandudno stage in September.

Get ready for a spectacular production, perfect for your littles ones first trip to the theatre! There will be live music and stars Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka will return with friends for a musical theatre experience perfect for the whole family.

Tickets from £14
Promo poster for In the Night Garden


To book your tickets to see any of amazing shows on offer this Summer at the Llandudno theatre, then just give the Venue Cymru Box Office a call on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website.

back to blog

Get ready for an intense evening of drama if you head to see The Lady Vanishes in Llandudno…

I was unsure what to expect when heading to Venue Cymru to see The Lady Vanishes. I’d not seen the famous 1983 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, but this new production from Bill Kenwright and the Classic Thriller Theatre Company instantly had me intrigued… and I love a good mystery.

For those also unfamiliar with the premise of the storyline, it follows socialite Iris (played in this production by Lorna Fitzgerald) who is travelling home to get wed. Her travelling companion Mrs Froy (Juliet Mills) unexpectedly disappears during the train journey and Iris finds it odd that none of her fellow passengers wish to admit to also seeing her. With the help of musician Max (Matt Barber), Iris turns detective and together the pair are determined to find out where Mrs Froy has gone.

The cast of the lady vanishes sat in a train carriage on stage

As soon as the curtain rises for the first act, audiences are taken back to the era where steam trains were the norm, the classic RP British accent was still in full force and the Nazi’s were beginning to take over the majority of Europe. The dramatic opening for the first scene sets the tone for the rest of the performance, the curtain lifts and all you can see are dark figures, a stage clouded over in smoke and the sounds of a traditional train station.

The acting in this production is incredible, the cast is filled with household names. Just to name a few, Fitzgerald is best known for her role as Abi Branning in EastEnders, Matt Barber for roles in Downton Abbey and supporting role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s on stage whilst and husband and wife Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield (who plays the suspicious Dr Hartz) lead the cast. The couple who continue to quarrel throughout their train journey, played by Elizabeth Payne and Mark Carlisle added a fabulous distraction to the mystery of missing Froy.

The cast of the Lady Vanishes posing for a group photo on stage

The staging only added to the brilliance of this performance. It was cleverly designed with carriage doors that opened and closed, easily helping to turn the stage from having focus on the carriages to then being part of the train restaurant or the aisle of the train.

No two minutes were the same in this production. It’s intense, comical, thrilling and scary in parts, so be prepared to be sitting on the edge of your seat throughout and get ready for plenty of surprises. There is an abundance of mystery to be found in this stellar production.


The Lady Vanishes cast will be performing at Venue Cymru until Saturday 15th June and you definitely do not want to miss this superbly acted and thrilling play!

Tickets start from just £21.50 for this thrilling night of drama. To book your tickets just call the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website.

back to blog

Take a sneak peek inside Bath Mill Lodge Retreat’s luxury lodge accommodation, which is the ideal alternative to a city hotel. Located only a 30 minute walk from the bustling city centre of Bath, our beautiful Bath Mill Lodge Retreat is the perfect escape to the city, while staying away from the hustle and bustle. A peaceful oasis with a wide range of accommodation to choose from, including a one bedroom, studio-style lodge and a 4 bedroom lodge. Take a sneak peek inside our luxurious lodge style accommodation below.

Interior shot of a Bath Mill lodge lounge Interior shot of a bedroom in a lodge at Bath Mill Interior shot of a bedroom in a lodge at Bath Mill Interior shot of a Bath Mill lodge lounge Interior shot of a kitchen and dining area in a lodge at bath mill Interior shot of a Bath Mill lodge lounge and fireplace Interior shot of a lounge in a lodge at Bath Mill Interior shot of the Norland lodge studio Interior shot of a bathroom in a lodge at Bath Mill Interior shot of a bathroom in a lodge at Bath Mill Interior shot of a lounge in a Newton Brook lodge Interior shot of a Bath Mill lodge kitchen


Bath Mill Lodge Retreat – a city escape like no other

Along with a wide range of self-catered lodge accommodation, Bath Mill offers a wonderful place to holiday away in a historic city. All our accommodation comes with open plan living spaces, fitted kitchens, sumptuous bedding and beautiful bathrooms, including our Norland Lodges which offer the ideal city escape self-catering accommodation.

If you fancy eating out one night, you won’t have to look far as The Brook Bar & Bistro is right on your doorstep and is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Located inside the 350 years old renovated mill house, adding to the atmosphere, but also boasts a beautiful terrace where you can relax and listen to the soothing sounds of the babbling Newton Brook flowing through the retreat. Indulge in a 3 course meal of mouth-watering meals, and relax with a drink from our fully stocked bar. Bath Mill also boasts a gym lodge, which is fully equipped for all your workout needs, including cardio machines and free weights.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll into the historic city for afternoon tea at The Pump Room, just like Jane Austen used to. Or visit the famous Roman Baths and learn about the history of the city and see how they used to live during the Roman times. Visit the famous Victoria Park which has acres of greenery to explore, as well as a variety of activities including hot air balloon rides. There really is an endless stream of activities to do and places to see in Bath, you’ll never be bored.

Why not start planning how you’ll explore this beautiful and historic city today and book your Bath Mill holiday?

back to blog

‘You’re never fully dressed without a smile’ and trust me you’ll be smiling after seeing Annie the Musical. That’s right, fresh from London’s West End, Annie is one of the most well-known musicals, so when I heard it was coming to the seaside town of Llandudno featuring the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan, I just knew this is one show I would not want to miss.

Those familiar with the 1982 film (or the comic strip, Little Orphan Annie) will know the story of orphan Annie but for those who haven’t witnessed the brilliance of its writing or songs, the production follows the same storyline set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, orphan Annie lives a life full of misery and chores in an orphanage run by the dreadful Miss Hannigan. Until one day, when she is chosen to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbuck’s residence over Christmas and her life changes forever but Miss Hannigan is determined to cause trouble.

Audiences filled the auditorium on the evening of Tuesday (May 14th) for the opening night of the show’s stint of performances at Venue Cymru. As they made their way in a broadcast played overhead and the children slowly filled the empty beds which were already set out on the stage.

The young cast from Annie the musical posing on stage

The six children taking the roles of the orphans were beyond fantastic including the wonderful Taziva-Faye Katsande who took on the famous role of Annie. Their performance of It’s the Hard Knock Life was one of the best I’ve EVER seen in a musical with so much passion and enthusiasm.

From the moment Craig Revel Horwood walked stumbled through the double doors and on to the stage as the wonderful Miss Hannigan the audience was hooked. You can tell this is a role he revels in playing, his showmanship is one of the best I’ve seen and his love for singing, musicals and dance just oozes out of his performance.

Photo of Craig Revel Horwood on stage play Miss Hannigan

Easy Street performed with Hannigan’s brother Rooster played by Richard Meek and his girlfriend Lily played by Jenny Gayner was just fantastic, so polished and professional and as a big fan of Miss Hannigan and that particular performance and song in the 1982 music, I was so pleased to see that they’d kept the true essence of the characters during this scene.

A special mention also has to go to the rest of the Annie the Musical cast who poured their hearts into this production, there were plenty of fabulous costume changes, top of the range vocals and the dancing was like something out of a Disney movie!

The cast of Annie the Musical dancing on stage during a performance

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the fantastic four-legged pooch Sandy played by Labradoodle Amber! What a wonderful dog she was and watching her run back and forth on the stage in-between scenes always had audience members going “awwwwww”.

Annie is packed full of laughter and fun and is suitable for the whole family to enjoy and sing along to!


Annie the Musical will be at Venue Cymru until Saturday 18th May, so head down to Venue Cymru to see some fantastic young talent and join in the fun!


So don’t wait until tomorrow – grab your tickets to see this musical extravaganza before it’s too late! Tickets start from just £19…

To book your tickets to see the one and only Craig Revel Horwood take on the role of Miss Hannigan then just call the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the Venue Cymru website.

back to blog

We’re giving you a chance to see the FAB-U-LOUS musical Annie in Llandudno

The hit musical Annie produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian is set to stop at the seaside town on its whistle stop 2019 UK and Ireland tour.

So if you and a friend would like the chance to watch Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan when the show-stopping musical comes to Venue Cymru this May then enter now!

Keep reading to find out how you can enter…


Get ready to get whisked to 1930’s New York during The Great Depression and fall in love with brave young orphan Annie, desperate to search for her parents after she was placed in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage and is now forced to clean and tidy.

Her luck takes a change for the better as she is chosen to be reside in famous New York billionaire, Oliver Warbucks mansion for Christmas (a tradition the billionaire has undertaken every year) but the story does not end there as Miss Hannigan has devious plans set in place to spoil Annie’s happiness…

Photo of Craig Revel Horwood playing Miss Hannigan in Annie

Alongside the fabulous cast and crew will be Craig Revel Horwood best known for being a judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series who returns play the sinister Miss Hannigan after playing the role in both the West End and on the 2015/16 UK tour.

This stunning production wouldn’t be without the unforgettable songs everyone loves about Annie. Get ready to sing along to ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’ as this production takes you on an emotional rollercoaster!


You can catch the show at Venue Cymru from Monday 13th May to Saturday 18th May 2019. Tickets start from £19.

Book your tickets over on the Venue Cymru website or by phoning the Box Office on 01492 872000.


terms and conditions

– To enter the competition, one must tag a friend in the comments and like our competition post.
– Only one entry per person please
– Competition closes at 4pm on Tuesday 7th May and a winner will be selected at random
– The winner will be chosen at 4pm and announced by 5pm on Tuesday 7th May
– Winner is the tagger, not the tagee (but let’s hope they share the prize!)
– We’ll notify the winner on Facebook and ask them to contact us with their details via private message. They will then be sent details of how to obtain their tickets
– Not open to employees or affiliates Seaview Holiday Home Park or Darwin Escapes
– The prize is 2 tickets to see Annie at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Tuesday 14th May 2019 at 7.30pm
– Prize must be claimed via direct message by midnight on Friday 10th May
– Cash alternatives are not available
– Travel and accommodation is not included
– This prize cannot be transferred to any other date or performance
– Tickets cannot be applied retrospectively
– Prize is non-transferable
– The manager’s decision is final

GOOD LUCK! Oh and don’t forget to give our Seaview Holiday Home Park a like on Facebook too!

back to blog

Rhyl was a sea of colours as audience members enjoyed one of the most popular musicals of all time…

When I heard that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was heading on a UK tour and stopping in the seaside town of Rhyl, I just couldn’t not go and see it.

The show, over the years, has been seen by an estimated 26 million people but I’ve got a confession to make… I’ve never seen it!!!

For years I’ve managed to avoid watching any clips or listening to songs from the production as I didn’t want to create any preconceptions before seeing the show live and wow did it live up to the wait!

The cast of Joseph posing for a photo on stage

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat cleverly retells the biblical story of Joseph and his 11 brothers, including that fabulous coat of many colours, all through the medium of song. Trina Hall brought the story to life through her narration.

Jaymi Hensely, best known for being part of pop band Union J, who rose to fame on the X Factor in 2012, took on the role of Joseph in this production. I couldn’t believe Joseph is his musical debut, he took to the stage with complete ease and fantastic strong and powerful vocals. Here’s hoping he’s in many more musicals!

Jaymi Hensley playing Joseph photographed on stage

The lavish sets take you on an adventure to Egypt with clever lighting to match the mood with the scene. From the off, the scene is set, you know what you’re going to get from this musical and I really loved that, despite the fact there were a couple of misbehaving sheep but they were soon put back in check by the cast!

Photo of Elvis in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat performing on stage

The whole ensemble worked so hard throughout the night, with costumes changes galore it was hard to keep up with who was actually on and off stage as the changing was seamless. You couldn’t take your eyes of the routines and the crazy costumes! One of my favourite scenes has to be with Pharoah played by Andrew Geater it was packed with fun and a big hit with the audience!

The young stage group from Mostyn also put on a great performance, singing from the sides of the staging throughout the whole show, with smiles a plenty.

Fantastic sets, first class acting and catchy songs – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is timeless with everything you could want from a musical, making it the perfect show for the whole family!


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is live in Rhyl until Saturday 30th March. Book your tickets on the Rhyl Pavilion website or phone their Box Office on 01745 330 000.

 

back to blog

Get ready for the feel-good show of the year to hit Llandudno this February! Goodbye winter blues! Once Kinky Boots comes to Llandudno, you’ll be wanting to paint the town red!

Winner of every best major musical award, this British hit production, which is inspired by true events, is finally out on a UK tour. It will be visiting some of the Britain’s most loved theatres throughout 2019 including North Wales’ Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Cast member of Kinky Boots captured during a performance

Get ready for a rollercoaster journey, starting in a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton and ending on the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Kinky Boots follows the heart-warming story behind Charlie Price and how he is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and keep the family business up and running. With the future of the factory uncertain a fabulous performer, Lola arrives in need of some sturdy new stilettos and so starts a whole new venture for the business!

Joining the fabulous Kinky Boots cast for this UK tour is Paula Lane best known for her role as Kylie Platt in the much-loved soap Coronation Street. She will be performing alongside Kayi Ushe (Simon/Lola) who has several theatre credits to his name including Motown the Musical and The Crucible and Joel Harper-Jackson known for roles in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Jesus Christ Superstar will play Charlie.

Photo of cast members on stage during a performance of Kinky Boots

Featuring songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon, Cyndi Lauper, audience’s will be in for a treat for both the eyes and ears!

Thanks to the fantastic ensemble cast and musical direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner, Jerry Mitchell (best known for work on Legally Blonde & Hairspray), Kinky Boots has not only won three WhatsOnStage Awards but was also named the London Evening Standard BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for the Best Musical.

So get ready for the feel-good musical of 2019 to sweep you off your feet and make you feel like anything really is possible, if only you put your mind to it!


get your kinky boots tickets using the promo code below:

The lovely team over at Venue Cymru have offered us an exclusive discount for Darwin Escapes guests and visitors only!

So if you want to treat that special someone in your life to the show of a lifetime or fancy an evening out with your friends, Kinky Boots on Valentine’s Day is the perfect answer! Just use the discount code below to get tickets for £25 each…

*Discount valid for Thursday 14th February – Matinee 2.30pm and Evening Show at 7.30pm*

*This discount code is no longer valid*


Kinky Boots promises a jam-packed run of uplifting and feel-good performances at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru from 11th February – 16th February!

Tickets are ON SALE now! Don’t miss out – reserve your seats for the hottest show in town at the Venue Cymru Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit their website for further details.


You can also catch Kinky Boots the Musical at the Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 11th March to Saturday 23rd March!

back to blog

Get set for another high-flying panto as Aladdin opens in the Rhyl Pavilion for a festive season of fun! The cast of this year’s Aladdin panto really do put on the ultimate festive extravaganza for audiences. It offers everything you could ever want from a magical seasonal production, with adventure, humour and crazy costumes!

Follow the story as Aladdin (played by David Perkins) tries to convince Princess Jasmine (played by Gemma Naylor from Nick Jnr’s Go! Go! Go!) to fall in love and marry him whilst also going in search of the magic lamp, home to the all-powerful Genie, before the wicked evil villain Abanazar steals the lamp in an attempt to take over the world!

Photo of the Aladdin Pantomime brochure

I was lucky enough to watch the show on Saturday afternoon (December 15th) and audiences (including me!) were completely wowed by this fairytale classic which features plenty of modern tunes to get you singing along. Loula Geater, who played the Slave of the Ring, blasted out an amazing rendition of ‘I Need a Hero’ and to add to the magical atmosphere there is even a flying carpet!!

Emmerdale’s Jonathan Wrather was leading this year’s cast as Abanazar, and played one of THE best baddies I’ve seen in panto. He really got the crowd going and in every scene the crowd could loudly be heard booing and hissing the character as he went about his wicked mission to steal the lamp from Aladdin’s grasp and take over the world. There were plenty of great references to his time in the famous soap’s village which will be an added treat for any Emmerdale fan – as a big fan of the show I loved all the added extra nods to the soap!


get ready to fully immerse yourself in this interactive production with plenty of chance to shout and sing…

Tom Whalley as PC Pong provided plenty of slapstick and the scene featuring PC Pong, Wishee Washee and a big new washing machine was one of my favourite scenes of the show. It left the audience in hysterics, long after the curtains had closed on the scene.

Local acting legend, Sean Jones, returned for his seventh annual pantomime in the role of Wishee Washee, again providing plenty of local references and humour. The audiences just love him and his comic timing is second to none. He even managed to sneak in several renditions of the smash hit ‘Baby Shark’ which had all the young ones in the audience out of their seats and singing along! A true comedy legend who I hope will be in the Rhyl pantomimes for many years to come.

Of course, a panto isn’t a panto without a hilarious dame, her adventurous and wacky costumes and the cheesy lines that will still make you chuckle days later! This year’s Rhyl Pavilion dame didn’t disappoint, Simon Jessop plays the wonderful Widow Tawnkey, providing plenty of jaw-dropping, laugh-out-loud moments. The costumes are a sight to behold!!

The supporting cast comprising of two local talented dance schools, The Gay Harris Dancers and The North Wales School of Dance were also superb and a great addition to the production. Adding plenty of sparkle to the show!

Rhyl Pavilion’s 2018 Aladdin pantomime really did provide a perfect selection of entertainment, audience participation and family friendly humour. This is one you’ll certainly not want to miss!


Aladdin will be in the Rhyl Pavilion until Saturday 5th January 2019. Tickets for this magical production are priced from just £10! Book your tickets by calling the box office on 01745 33 00 00 or visit the Rhyl Pavilion website to book online.

back to blog