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Belgrade Welcomes Record Numbers for Aladdin Open Auditions!

Posted on 5 September 2014

Budding young performers from across Coventry and Warwickshire were once again given the chance to win a starring role in the Belgrade’s annual family pantomime on Sunday 31st August. The event, which attracted young people from as far afield as Birmingham and Tamworth, saw over 200 young people turn up to audition for a role in the pantomime chorus making 2014 one of our largest turn-outs to date.


Kicking off the morning’s events were Free Radio Breakfast favourites JD & Roisin, who – having convinced Belgrade Staff that they were, in fact fourteen – treated audiences to their very own rendition of ‘A Whole New World’ complete with makeshift lamp (otherwise known as JD’s nan’s teapot) and magic carpet (a towel borrowed from the gym). Needless to say, judge Iain Lauchlan was lost for words!


After a short introduction from Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, Steve Boden, our auditionees were raring to go. First up, our youngsters were put through their paces with a choreographed dance routine set to ‘Walking On Sunshine’.

After narrowing down our hopefuls in the afternoon, it was time for recalls. Picking up the pace for the 2nd audition piece, our successful auditionees were asked to perform a short excerpt from the Bollywood-inspired ‘Jai-Ho’ before Iain and team began the difficult process of making their final cut.


Eight hours on and several recalls later, it was time to announce our three teams, Chop Suey, Chow Mein and Chop Sticks! A big congratulations to all those who were successful on the day – we’ll see you back at the Belgrade in November! To all the talented young people who auditioned on Sunday, we’d like to say a big thank you for coming along and taking part!

There’s heaps of fun and adventure to be had as poor Aladdin attempts to win the heart of the beautiful princess Jasmine. But there’s a problem – the law decrees that she can only marry a prince. With the evil Abanazaar determined to stand in his way, can Widow Twankey and Wishee Washey help Aladdin on his path to happiness or are they more interested in the soapy world of their Chinese laundry?

Following in the success of last year’s record-breaking production of Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin features all the hallmarks of a traditional Belgrade Theatre pantomime, spectacular scenery, incredible costumes, hilarious slapstick and plenty of audience participation.

This year’s festive extravaganza sees the return of respected children’s writer and performer Iain Lauchlan to the role of dame. Iain, who has also written and directed this year’s show, is perhaps best known as the creator of the hit BBC children’s series The Tweenies which first aired in 1999.

Aladdin plays at the Belgrade Theatre from Wed 26 Nov – Sat 10 Jan 2015. Tickets are priced from £13.25 (Adults) and £8.75 (Children). Tickets are on sale now via the Belgrade Theatre Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or online where tickets are cheaper.

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