Auditions taking place for Derry's Christmas panto in Forum

Performers who have ever fancied treading the boards in a professional theatrical production are being invited to make their way to Derry's Millennium Forum on Friday, April 12, from 1pm to 5pm. 

The North West’s premier theatre will be holding auditions for yet another fabulous Christmas panto, ‘Aladdin’, proudly sponsored by the Richmond Centre.

Directed by Jonathan Burgess and produced by the Millennium Forum, Aladdin at the Forum is the only professional panto in the North West and boasts the best in local talent in the biggest show of the Autumn/Winter programme of events.

A number of lead cast roles including Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, The Genie, Wishy Washy are up for grabs at the auditions. 

If it’s simply singing and dancing that’s your thing, then there are also a number of adult ‘General Ensemble’ parts to be won (age 17+).  All roles require excellent singing, acting and dancing ability.

 David McLaughlin, Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum and show producer for the past twenty-one years, encourages everyone with a desire to perform to audition: “The Millennium Forum has developed a fabulous reputation for producing fantastic Christmas pantomimes that are fun for all the family. 

@‘Sleeping Beauty’ in 2021 was shortlisted in the UK Panto Awards for Best Panto, highlighting our strong commitment to producing a high quality production for everyone to enjoy over the festive period.

@Last year, Jack and The Beanstalk broke all box office records and performed to over 30,000 people, cementing our panto as the ‘must-see’ show of the festive period in the city and region.”

 He added: “The auditions for this year’s Christmas Panto provide a great opportunity to act, sing or dance in the biggest show of the season for all budding performers. 

"Who knows – it could be the first step to a career in acting for some talented individuals.  Our first ‘Snow White’, Mairead Carlin, went on to become part of the globally renowned, Celtic Woman show. 

"We have already seen Jamie Lee O’Donnell, one of our Ensemble Cast from ‘Aladdin’ in 2009, move onto great success in Derry Girls and our Wicked Queen from ‘Snow White’ in 2010, Kerri Quinn, was also seen on the TV screen in her role as Vicky in Coronation Street.  Our ‘Peter Pan’ from 2013 and 2015’s ‘Aladdin’, Mikey J Heath enjoyed a hugely successful tour with Bill Kenwright’s production of the hit musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has also starred in the West End run of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory; Sinead Sharkey, one of our Ensemble cast of ‘Peter Pan’ in 2013, went on to perform in the Harry Potter musical in London’s West End; and local actor, Dylan Reid, landed the part of ‘Andrej’ in the musical, ‘Once’ and local writing superstar and creator of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee stage managed our shows back in 2003/4.”

Auditions for ‘Aladdin’ will be held in the Millennium Forum on Friday, April 12, from 1pm to 5pm. 

Anyone interested should contact Lisa Lynch on 028 (048 from the Republic) 71 272770 between 9.30am – 4pm (Mon-Fri only) or email lisal@millenniumforum.co.uk to arrange an audition time. 

Please note, you must arrange an audition in advance.