30 Something

So, here we are. Opening night of my 30th pantomime. Which is also B.A.T.S. 50th pantomime. And we’ve both come full circle as the first ever pantomime, in 1974, was”Aladdin”, my first in 1994 was “Aladdin” and this year’s Golden Jubilee production is…yes, you’ve guessed it, “Aladdin”!
Except, it’s not quite as neat as you might think, hence today’s title. This should have been my 31st pantomime, but Covid caused us to miss a year. I also have a feeling that there was at least one year where I couldn’t commit to the show and only came along at the last minute to help backstage, thus not getting a mention in the programme.
Anyway, for the sake of neatness, let’s say it’s the 50th/30th this year and I’m pleased to be once again taking to the stage as the Emperor of China. It’s been a difficult production to bring to fruition, with a couple of late minute cast substitutions required. Thankfully though, we avoided a repeat of the last “Aladdin” I was in (2020) which resulted in me missing the first week due to rib injuries sustained at Tech Rehearsal, when I fell off the flying carpet! So maybe this is actually my 29.5th pantomime.
Credit to Peter Howarth Media for this excellent picture of me having a “frank exchange of views” with my Chief of Police. Got to keep these minions in their place, you know…