Bideford's Merlin Meets Aladdin at This Year's Queen's Theatre Pantomime

Bideford's own magic man Merlin will be returning to the Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple this Christmas to team up with Aladdin for the traditional family pantomime.

At a press call this week Merlin, who has spent his summer entertaining

visitors at the Milky Way near Bideford, gave us a taste of what we

might expect from him in the panto.  Aided by evil villain

Abanazar, Merlin had a paving stone smashed on his chest with a

sledgehammer whilst lying on a bed of nails!  The shattered paving stone

was removed to reveal a prize of a complimentary ticket to the Milky

Way which was presented to winners Maisie and Sonny Furse from

Barnstaple.

The family favourite Aladdin brought to us by Hiss & Boo Theatre Company also sees the return of last year's ugly sisters, Antony Stuart-Hicks and David Phipps-Davis, as Widow Twankey and evil villain Abanazar.

Widow Twankey told me the cast were delighted to be returning to Barnstaple this year;

"Out of all the theatres we've worked in Barnstaple has treated us the best of all."

Always keen to add something new, producer Ian Liston says there will be surprises in store this year.  Audiences will get to see a flying carpet and Merlin will be conjuring up some illusions in his role as PC Ping.  Other than that he wasn't giving away any secrets ... you'll just have to book your tickets now and see for yourselves! 

Visit the North Devon Theatres website for further details and booking.