Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Aladdin at The Helix





Oh no they didn’t: 1. Martha Christie & George McMahon; 2. Michelle Hennessey and Diane Bunici; 3. Diarmuid Gavin with daughter Epi (left) and Aisling Power. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The pantomime season kicked off with the opening performance of Aladdin at The Helix in DCU. This is the fourth year that TheatreworX has brought its traditional family panto to The Helix and taking an action packed adventure through Arabia are George McMahon (best known as the memorable Mondo in Fair City) as hero Aladdin and his forbidden love, the captivating Martha Christie (one of Ireland’s top models and a classically trained singer) as Princess Jasmine.

Bringing laughs as George and Martha take their magic carpet ride in Arabia’s Agrabah City are West End musical performer Eoin Cannon who returns to The Helix stage as scheming villain Jafaah, comedian and actor Aidan Mannion as Jafaah’s hapless idiot son Janowah and Colin Hughes as Aladdin’s best mate Wishee Washee. Seasoned pantomime performer Frank Mackey stars as the sharp-tongued and quick-witted Dame Twankey and new starlet Jacqueline Brunton shines as Jewel.

Aladdin will now run until January 15th and with a charming love story, magic, a happily ever after and referencing everything from Justin Bieber for the kids to the evening news for grown-ups, Aladdin is a true family panto.