This Christmas season fly high with Aladdin on a magical adventure !
Your wishes have been granted— the pantomime Aladdin is soaring into Braeburn Theatre this weekend and Nairobi’s theatre scene is set to sparkle! Buckle up for a whirlwind ride as Aladdin and Princess Mandarin embark on a hilarious, high-flying adventure packed with magic, mayhem, and mischief.
Presented by the Braeburn Players, this festive adaptation promises a dazzling display of music, comedy, and holiday cheer, perfect for families and fans of all ages. The script is from a classic British production but The Braeburn Players, and director Joanna Garner, have tailored it to their Nairobi audience – there will definitely be some jokes that only Nairobians will get.
Garner says,
The joy and laughter of our audiences, especially the children during the final audience song, make every effort worthwhile. Pantomime is a delightful escape, it invites us to reconnect with our inner child and immerse ourselves in a world of wonder and enchantment. Although we incorporate some adult humor, the core of pantomime lies in its ability to transport us to a magical realm, sparking imagination and delight.
Wishee Washee played by Daniel Hird
This story is set in the vibrant, bustling city of Peking where hardworking ‘Wash n’ Nosh’ owner Widow Twankey is single-handedly raising her mischievous sons, Aladdin and Wishee Washee. Hardly hard-working, Aladdin dreams of escaping his workaday life to find true love and adventure, yet is stymied by his meddling mother.
While this cheeky chancer is hustling through life, he happens upon Princess Mandarin and his life takes an unexpected turn as he falls deeply in love with this bold, sharp-witted orphan princess – who’s also bored with life and ready to break free. When Aladdin and Princess Mandarin cross paths, sparks fly!
Eugenia Tenezakis as Princess Mandarin
But Aladdin’s admiration for the princess has drawn the attention of the bumbling police duo, Yu-dun-wong and Hu-dun-pong, and their pursuit results in hilarious antics.
And danger is never far behind. The mystical Spirit of the Ring reveals that a powerful magic lamp, hidden deep within the Cave A-la-din holds a Genie, the key to world domination. But only Aladdin, with his unique connection to the cave, can retrieve it.
The devious sorcerer Abanazar has his own sinister plans. He tempts Aladdin into the cave, claiming he will find his fortune there, however, once inside, Abanazar’s true intentions are revealed and Aladdin ends up trapped in the cave.
Tirath Singh as Abanazar
Can Aladdin find his way out of the cave, outsmart the cunning Abanazar, and win the heart of Princess Mandarin? With a twist of fate and a sprinkling of magic, anything is possible…
The Braeburn Player’s Aladdin brings all the traditional elements of a British pantomime to the stage. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular musical numbers, and slapstick humor that the whole family can enjoy, with actors who are old hands at panto, experienced in drawing the laughter, like Daniel Hird as Wishee Washee, Tirath Singh as the evil Abanazar and Adrian Blomfield as Widow Twankey.
We’ll see a surprise familiar face playing Aladdin and will recognize most of the cast from previous pantos, including Shannon Bell and Sian Mousley as Yu-dun-wong and Hu-dun-pong, Samantha Mihajlovic as the Empress, plus Corinne Childs, Gaëlle Leterrier and Chris Childs. This year’s production will also be welcoming panto newcomers Eugenia Tenezakis and Coltrane McDowell.
Samantha Mihajlovic as the Empress
The talented dancers are Braeburn Gitanga students, expertly choreographed by Maribel Larson. This year, the production was fortunate to have Jaclyn Babarino’s creative input on the costumes, which have added a truly magical touch to the production.
Of course, classic panto shout-out moments like “He’s behind you!” will keep everyone engaged and shouting along. And as all children know, expect sweets, songs & men in dresses….As Shannon Bell, who’s in her 8th season of the Braeburn pantomime says:
“I love this time of year because of all the laughs and jokes we as a cast share backstage, and I hope we can bring that same energy to you, our audience. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!”
Purchase tickets for Aladdin here
Performances are at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Rd. on:
Friday 22 November | 7pm
Saturday 23 November | 5pm
Sunday 24 November | 3pm
Friday 29 November | 7pm
Saturday 30 November | 5pm
Sunday 1 December | 3pm