The Empty Space theatre in Media City, Salford, rubs up the lamps on a production of its first panto - favourite title Aladdin – this month (December 14-24).
Salford’s newest venue - previously Footlights House at 48 Kansas Avenue, M50 2GL - is a "black box" theatre - literally, with no front curtain, but will welcome audiences to an otherwise traditional panto.
Producer and creative director of Empty Space, Jo Fisher, will direct and writer Heather Phoenix has provided the script - so the show has a female bias, something the team is keen to emphasise.
"Jasmine is no shrinking violet here; she knows her mind and is determined to get what she wants," Jo said. "We wanted to create a strong role model without losing any of the familiar story and fun elements that makes panto so memorable.
"I remember visiting pantomimes when I was young and sharing the experience with the family is priceless. I want to bring panto to The Empty Space every year, so people can build those shared memories and continue their own Christmas traditions."
The cast features Ali Babakordi as the Genie, Ciara-Alexandra Booker as Jasmine, Matthew Christmas as Abanazar, Ella Holt as Aladdin and Andrew Lambe as Widow Twankey. Writer Heather Phoenix plays the Empress.
The theatre is five minutes from the Broadway tram stop and if you are driving, there are limited parking spaces.
More info and tickets here