The magic of the genie

The show promises all of the essential pantomime ingredients, as well as live music, dance and an “almost completely original” script. In the story, all of the main characters are looking for something: Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants a clean vest. But will their three wishes be granted by the Genie?

Playing the Genie of the lamp is Nathaniel Morrison. “The role is right up my street, I can be as mad and zany as I want to be,” he enthuses. “It’s a very traditional panto, and I like that. Aladdin is played by a girl, which is very traditional and you have the dame, Widow Twankey. It’s fun and you get a great response from the kids. We’re expecting them to shout back, in panto you bring the audience in more than other theatrical shows. To do a show that links in with Christmas is great – everybody loves it.”

Nathaniel made his first professional West End debut playing Stevie Wonder in Dancing in the Streets at the Cambridge Theatre. He says: “I have played some great characters in the West End, such as Jorge (the camp butler in Tonight’s The Night). There are similarities with the Genie – this is more fun though.”

In Aladdin, Lisa Mathieson plays the title role, with Patrick Clancy as Widow Twankey, Robin Armstrong as Wishee Washee and Miles Western as the evil Abanazaar.

This is Nathaniel’s first professional pantomime, but he has been a fan ever since he saw Jack And The Beanstalk in his home-town of Birmingham as a child.

“I’m in awe of everything,” he says. “It’s all over the top and exuberant. You have got to have an energy that keeps the audience gripped. I consider myself someone who’s full of beans, so I think that’s why they called on me for this part.”

Aladdin runs at the Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, from Thursday, December 10 until Sunday, January 3. Tickets: 01707 645005 (£11.50-£14.50).