A live television pantomime of the classic Arabian Nights tale, broadcast on Boxing Day.
In this traditional pantomime, the young Aladdin (David Jacobs) is tricked by the villainous magician Abanazar (Humphrey Lestocq) into retrieving a magic lamp from a cave. With the help of the Genie of the Lamp (Peter Glover), Aladdin escapes, outwits the magician, and wins the hand of the beautiful Princess (Pamela Galloway). Comic relief is provided by Aladdin’s mother, Widow Twankey (Peter Butterworth), and his brother, Wishee-Washee (David Nixon).
This production represents the BBC’s early efforts to translate the uniquely British tradition of the Christmas pantomime for the small screen. Broadcast live from Alexandra Palace, the programme was an ambitious undertaking for its time, combining music, comedy, and spectacle within the technical constraints of the era. The script was an early credit for Peter Ling, who would become a prolific and influential writer for British television. The cast assembled a number of personalities who were, or would become, household names, including future Carry On actor Peter Butterworth as the Dame and future disc jockey David Jacobs in the title role.
Broadcast: BBC, 2 Performances, 26 December 1951 and 1 January 1952
Written by: Peter Ling
Music by: Steve Race, Jack Jordan
Choreography by: Peter Glover
Settings by: Stephen Taylor
Producers: Michael Westmore, Gilchrist Calder
Directors: Michael Westmore, Gilchrist Calder
Main Cast: David Jacobs (Aladdin), Peter Butterworth (Widow Twankey), Humphrey Lestocq (Abanazar), David Nixon (Wishee-Washee), Pamela Galloway (Princess), Peter Glover (Genie Of The Lamp), Pat Sinnott (Genie Of The Ring), Bill Shine (Emperor Of China), Peter Hawkins (Lord High Chamberlain)
