A wish came true this week as Pantomime Award winners Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji confirmed their return to Lighthouse Poole in this year’s magical family pantomime Aladdin.
Andrew and Alim stole the show last Christmas as the hilariously memorable Nadine and Doris in Cinderella, so much so they landed Best Sisters at the annual Pantomime Awards. They had such a great time in Poole they jumped at the chance to come back to Lighthouse.
Andrew will play the villain and Alim the Genie of the Lamp in what promises to be a high-flying traditional pantomime written and directed by CBeebies star Chris Jarvis, who will also appear as Widow Twankey.
“I’m thrilled to come back to the Lighthouse – and to be working with Chris again,” says Andrew.
“It’s also a special thrill to come back with my good friend, Alim, as we had such a good time as Sisters last year – then winning the award for Best Sisters at the Great British Panto Awards, which was the icing on the cake!
“There’s a lovely family atmosphere at Lighthouse and the audiences were fantastic so I’m very happy to be spending Christmas by the sea in Poole once more!”
Echoing the sentiment, Alim adds: “I am just so excited to have been asked back to Poole. Last year, the audiences welcomed Andrew and I with the widest of arms and it truly felt like home. Along with our stellar team, and Chris’ exceptional writing, I’m looking forward to bringing some genie magic to Lighthouse!”
Chris Jarvis, who is determined to pull out all the stops to make Aladdin every bit as memorable as last year’s award-nominated panto, says: “I’m incredibly thrilled that both Andrew and Alim are returning to Lighthouse for panto this coming Christmas. As well as being an absolute joy to work with, they brought so much talent to Dorset last year with their hysterical portrayal of the ugly sisters. I can’t wait to see them in action again in totally different roles as the great villain Professor Pocus, and Genie of the Lamp.”
With stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and a lamp-load of panto silliness, Aladdin will feature all the traditional ingredients including genies, a lamp, a laundry scene, masses of magic, plenty of wishes and, of course, a magic carpet.
Welcoming Andrew and Alim back to the fold, Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain, adds: “We are thrilled that Andrew and Alim will return to Lighthouse this year. They gave such memorable performances as the ugly sisters in Cinderella and we know that they will delight and entertain our audiences in Aladdin.”
:: Tickets are on sale now at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk, or call 01202 280000.
(NC)