Aladdin has returned to Worthing after 180 years since its original translation at Union Place. The original story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp is a folk tale of Middle Eastern origin from One Thousand and One Nights, also known as Arabian Nights, and dates back to the 18th century! Shrouded in mystery and magic it tells the story of a poor boy who is tricked by a sorcerer and trapped in a cave where he discovers the magical Genie. With the Genie’s help Aladdin turns his fortunes around and marries a beautiful princess but he has made a powerful enemy and must be prepared to fight for his new life!
The selection of stories in Arabian Nights were gathered and translated over many years by various authors and translators and Aladdin and the Magic Lamp was part of the collection translated by British Orientalist Edward William Lane in the 1800’s. According to The Times, Edward William Lane wrote his translation whilst situated at 4 Union Place in Worthing!
Since it first appeared in the early 18th century Aladdin and the Magic Lamp has been one of the best known and most retold of all fairy tales. It has been performed in pantomime for over 200 years as well as its famous adaptations in film including the famous Disney animation in 1992, with a new Disney version set to be released in 2019.
Worthing Theatres is continuing the legacy of Aladdin with its traditional family pantomime this festive season at Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre from 30th November to 1st January. With a stellar cast that includes Lee Latchford-Evans from STEPS, Cbeebies personality Rebecca Keatley, female comedian Vikki Stone and the unmistakable voice of Brian Blessed as the Genie this is an Aladdin performance to do Edward William Lane’s Worthing legacy proud!
The production runs at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing until Tuesday 1st January 2019. Tickets, priced from £13.50 to £25.50, are available via www.worthingtheatres.co.uk or at the Box Office on 01903 206 206.