ALADDIN – DECEMBER 12-JANUARY 13

Actor Steven Roberts is set to swap the audience for the stage at this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime.  Steven, best known for playing George in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, is no stranger to the festive extravaganza in the city.  He has family living in Norfolk, has been to the show several times and admits he is a particular fan of its Dame, writer and director Richard Gauntlett.
Now he is set to star opposite Richard himself as part of the star cast when he portrays Aladdin this year from December 12 to January 13.  The actor shot to fame in the role of George Smith in Hollyoaks, a sixth form student with a sharp line in fashion which was at odds with his introverted character.  During his time on the series, George was at the centre of a number of major plots including coming to terms with his sexuality and an award-winning storyline which tackled the issue of homelessness as George was living in a squat.

 

Away from TV, Steven is also carving out a successful stage career.  He won critical acclaim for portraying the sensitive Posner in a UK tour of The History Boys and Kai in Bristol Old Vic’s production of The Snow Queen, with other previous productions including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, and the UK tour of Fracked! Or: Please Don’t Use The F Word.
Steven joins the already-announced Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley in the show, with more star casting to be announced in the weeks ahead.  Richard is a stalwart of the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime with Aladdin marking the 18th show he has been associated with.  As well as helping to conceive and create the show each year, he is also renowned for his portrayal of the Dame character.

 

Ben is also no stranger to the show. Based near Diss, the comedian and entertainer is known for his one-man show, the Ha Ha series of productions which poke fun at historical and literary figures, and a recent run on ITV’s prime-time hit Britain’s Got Talent.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “It is exciting to welcome Steven to the panto family this Christmas. He has a rough idea of what is in store from coming along to see the show. We are really excited to see what he brings to the role of Aladdin and how he will delight our family audiences over the festive season.”

 

Listing:
Aladdin, Wednesday 12 December-Sunday 13 January. Tickets £10-£24.50. Under-threes free. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s, and Groups. Signed performance on Sunday 6 January at 1pm. Audio-described performance on Saturday 5 January at 2.30pm. Captioned performance on Sunday 6 January at 5pm.
To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000
Relaxed performance especially suited to those with autism and their family and friends on Friday 4 January at 5.30pm. Tickets for this performance can be booked in person at our box office or by phone on 01603 630000.