Ex-Gladiator Hunter turns villain for Aladdin at Runcorn

Dec 16 2010 Flintshire Chronicle

THE stars of The Brindley's panto Aladdin at Runcorn, have started welcoming audiences to the show.

And former Gladiator James Crossley, who appeared in the panto in 2002 and is returning as Abanazar in this year's production, says he has fond memories of Halton and is glad to be back.

The man formerly known as Hunter, who was a favourite from series two to eight of the show, has been talking about his role in the production.

“I am really looking forward to performing again here,” he said. “It is the first time I will have been at The Brindley. It wasn't open the last time I was in panto here.

“It is also the first time I will have played a villain. I have been the good guy in the past 18 pantomimes I have done."

Since muscling in on the nation's Saturday night TV in the hugely popular series, he has appeared at the Edinburgh Festival rugby comedy in Up ‘n’ Under and made a name for himself as an actor.

Brookside, Coronation Street, The Royal and Hairspray star Michael Starke and his wife Lynne Francis are also at the theatre, where they both appeared two years ago.

Suzanne Collins, David Heath of X Factor and Eton Road fame and local favourite Charlotte McKelvie, winner of Halton’s Got Talent, are also in the production.

It promises to be a magic carpet ride of a panto, as Aladdin, a poor boy from the mystical East battles with the evil Abanazar to thwart his plot to rule the world.

Will the help of the Genie of the Lamp's mighty fine powers and some wise words of advice from his mum, Ma Twanky (plus some well-meaning interference from a whole host of friends), be enough for Aladdin to overcome this wicked if somewhat deranged foe and win the heart of the beautiful Princess?

The pantomime continues through to January 9. There are two shows a day at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are on sale now from The Brindley box office at 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk.