Coleraine Provincial Players mark 45th anniversary

This the year the local group celebrate their 45th anniversary.

Joining Aladdin played by Lyndsey McGookin will be the little fairies and the evil Abanazer, played by Jonny Johnston.

Mr Panto, Sean Magee has the endless task of writing a script which is modern yet traditional, and once you see it in full swing you will see that he has pulled out all the stops, to give you the public a treat that will send you home laughing for days to come.

Not only has Sean prepared the script he’s also producing , alongside Leahanne Dollard. The pair have been hard at work since August holding auditions.

This year’s cast has a good mix of experience and youth.

Aladdin will be played on alternative nights by sisters Lyndsey McGookin and Leah Dollard, who are no strangers to the stage, they are also the third generation principal boys in their family, so it is obviously in their genes.

Dame Twanky, played by John Millar, who is having the time of his life, is such a natural when it comes to playing a female role!

Dame’s sidekicks Wishy and Washy, played by Leroy Dempster and Zara Kelly, make the perfect comedy duo and guarantee plenty of laughs. Leroy , no stranger to a bit of a comedy has taken Zara under his wing.

Playing the evil Abanazar is Jonny Johnston, which is bit of a change for him, as he’s usually taking a hand out of not only fellow cast on stage but having a bit of fun with the crowd. The Grand Vizier is played by Adam Mullan, a young up and coming man within the group with a bright future ahead. For anyone who knows him will get a bit of a surprise, as he is usually quiet boy on stage and off but once he walks onto the stage hes transforms into a loud and demanding man.

This year the genie, played by Gemma Campbell another long-time member, has the role where she has to use all her experience to give the role attitude and sass. Alongide Gemma is Salome, played by Ellie Baxter.

The role of Emperor is played by Brian Kelly. He’s been practicing round the house or while out training his sheepdogs in the fields where he gets plenty of strange looks from not only the sheepdog but the passers-by in cars!

This year there’s a list of newcomers - the lovely princess Yum Yum played by Taylor Archer. Prince Pekoe played by Robyn Arthur, who is following in her mum’s footsteps in joining the cast.

Another new comer is Billie-jo Mitchell who for being so young has brought her character SoShy to life on the stage.

The dance troop have been hard at work and so too have the fairies.

The stage crew lead by Sean Magee have been hard at work since October, putting his ideas into action.

Have we tempted you yet?

There are still some seats left, so call at the booking office, at Coleraine Town Hall, open Monday to Saturday.