Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten and 5ive’s Ritchie Neville are to join the cast of Aladdin, Derby LIVE’S 2015 panto.
Natasha Hamilton, who will be the Slave of the Ring, has played a number of leading theatre roles since leaving the hugely successful pop group, including Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers and Maureen in a tour of Jonathan Larson’s Rent.
Her real-life partner Ritchie Neville, who plays Aladdin, studied drama in Australia at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. He since appeared on various television shows as both a presenter and contestant as well as being a member of one of the UK’s most successful boy bands of the ‘90s, 5ive.
Paul Holman, producer of Aladdin, says, “we’re delighted to have been able to secure two of today’s top pop stars in Ritchie and Natasha. Their vocal and acting strengths will bring high energy and strong audience appeal to the star-studded panto at Derby’s amazing new Arena.”
As previously announced, Mike “Squeaky” McClean will play Wishee Washee while Richard David-Caine and Joseph Elliott will be PCs Ping and Pong.
Aladdin will be a Derby LIVE presentation at Derby Arena from Monday 7 December until Sunday 3 January 2016.
Meanwhile, dance auditions will take place at the Arena on Sunday 20 September. Girls aged between 8 and 11 who must be no taller than 4ft 11ins and be at least the equivalent of ISTD grade one in ballet, tap and modern are invited to attend.
More information is available by e-mailing Fiona Watson at [email protected].