Horsham panto performers get dressed up for Aladdin's arrival at The Capitol

From left: Dani Acors, Ben Ofoedu, Olly Pike, Martin Ramsdin, Alice Ellen Wright, James Dinsmore and Richard Alan. Picture by Steve Robards, SR1630213

A collection of flamboyant characters came to Horsham's Capitol on Thursday, October 6, to promote the theatre's brand new version of Aladdin.

Pantomime performers were in full costume to talk about this year’s festive spectacular, which runs from Friday, December 9, to Saturday, December 31.

It follows The Capitol’s version of Beauty and the Beast (2015), which became the venue’s most successful panto to-date.

Olly Pike, star of CBBC’s Trapped, returns to Horsham once again after his winning performance as sidekick DC in last year’s show.

Olly Pike, Ben Ofoedu and Alice Ellen Wright. Picture by Steve Robards, SR1630251

This time, however, he’s playing the title role.

“It’s really cool and I guess a bit scary,” said Olly. “Normally I’m the sidekick or the little comedy character and I can kind of get away and not be too much in the limelight. But this year it’s like: I’m Aladdin!”

“It’s always great to come back here,” he continued. “It’s a nice atmosphere and it feels like my Christmas home.”

Alice Ellen Wright, who graduated from Laine Theatre Arts last year, stars as Princess Jasmine. She’s looking forward to performing in Horsham with Olly, having recently returned from singing on a cruise ship (Celebrity Cruises) as lead vocalist.

Martin Ramsdin (Bunny Galore) as Widow Twankey. Picture by Steve Robards, SR1630310

“We went all around South America and then we touched base in Antarctica,” said Alice. “Then we went up North America as well.”

She continued: “I love panto because it’s over Christmas time for starters. It’s just so much fun and it’s not just kids that love it. Their parents and families all love it and they all get involved.”

Dani Acors, who starred in last year’s production as The Enchantress, is happy to play another goodie this year – The Spirit of The Ring.

“I’m excited to be in Aladdin because it was the first panto I did when I was seven,” Dani said. “So it will be nice to do it again now that I’m 25.”

James Dinsmore as Abanazar. Picture by Steve Robards, SR1630322

“I like the fact that panto is something for everyone,” she continued, explaining that there are happy moments, sad moments and, of course, big song and dance numbers.

“And I love that it’s British,” Dani added. “No other country does panto.”

No other country does the pantomime dame either and this year Martin Ramsdin (Bunny Galore from the Movie Nightmares TV show) stars as Widow Twankey. An experienced dame, Martin enjoys being motherly, glamorous and funny, all at the same time.