A television play adaptation of the classic Arabian Nights pantomime tale.
In this telling of the traditional story, the young Aladdin (David Cole) is manipulated by the wicked magician Abanazar (Hugh David) in a quest for a magical lamp. After becoming trapped in a cave, Aladdin discovers the lamp’s power for himself, summoning a powerful Slave of the Lamp (Ewen Solon). With his newfound fortune, he seeks the hand of the beautiful Princess Badroulboudour (Mildred Mayne), much to the disapproval of her father, The Caliph (Douglas Wilmer), and his scheming Vizier (Bruno Barnabe). The pantomime dame role is filled by Aladdin’s Mother (Nan Marriott-Watson).
This Boxing Day production continued the BBC’s tradition of presenting a full-scale pantomime as a cornerstone of its festive schedule. Adapted, produced, and directed by the prolific Rex Tucker, this version was a handsomely mounted television play rather than a direct stage transfer. Its ambition is evident in the depth of its cast, which included several actors of considerable standing. Douglas Wilmer, later a celebrated Sherlock Holmes, appeared as The Caliph, while future Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton had a small role as a gambler, lending the fantasy a notable dramatic gravity.
Broadcast: BBC, 1 Episode, 26 December 1957
Adapted for Television by: Rex Tucker
Producer: Rex Tucker
Director: Rex Tucker
Music Composed and Conducted by: John Hotchkis
Played by: The Goldsbrough Orchestra
Designer: Edwin Florence
Main Cast: David Cole (Aladdin), Hugh David (Abanazar), Douglas Wilmer (The Caliph), Mildred Mayne (Princess Badroulboudour), Bruno Barnabe (The Vizier), Steve Plytas (Eunuch-in-Chief), Nan Marriott-Watson (Aladdin’s Mother), Ewen Solon (The Slave of the Lamp), Philip Locke (The Slave of the Ring), Patrick Troughton (Gambler)
