It’s not even November, but Rochdale’s getting its glitter on early, as festive pantomime season prepares to descend in a cloud of sparkles, shouting, and suspiciously familiar plot twists, and locals are being warned: book now or risk sitting behind the tallest dad in the borough.
This year, Your Trust is dishing up double panto madness: Aladdin at Middleton Arena and The Wizard of Oz at Heywood Sports Village, both guaranteed to feature dazzling costumes, overacting villains and children loudly asking “what’s going on?” during Act Two.
Aladdin, opening at Middleton Arena on November 25, stars Strictly’s Neil Jones as villain Abanaza (we assume he can dance and cackle), alongside CBBC’s Chris Johnson as Billy and EastEnders veteran Ricky Groves as The King, presumably more PG than his time on Albert Square.
There’s a genie, a lamp, and a princess who may or may not fall for a man who spends most of the show in open-toed footwear. Expect songs, slapstick and more sequins than the 1994 Eurovision final.
Meanwhile, The Wizard of Oz at Heywood Sports Village features a cast that frankly sounds like someone’s mad dream: Basil Brush as a Virtual Wizard (no, really), and Coronation Street’s Steven Arnold (Ashley Peacock) as the Scarecrow. Somewhere over the rainbow, L Frank Baum is blinking slowly.
This version of Oz promises all the usual mayhem, wicked witches, magical shoes, and at least one joke about Rochdale’s transport system being less reliable than a flying monkey.
Both shows are stuffed with tunes, sparkles and enough energy to power the Christmas lights, with tickets starting from £11, which in panto terms is practically a bargain, considering the therapy you’ll need after explaining the plot to your gran.
From down the M62, our advice is clear: book early, laugh loudly, and bring snacks. Because once Basil Brush starts booming “Boom Boom!” in a technicolour robe, you’ll want to be in the front row to witness panto history unfold.
