Video: Basil and Debra coming to town

STARS including Basil Brush and Coronation Street's Debra Stephenson are today looking forward to this year's pantomime in Ipswich.

Although rehearsals for the annual show at the Regent Theatre do not start until December 1, the cast and producer came to the town yesterday for the official launch of Aladdin.

Audiences at the show, which starts on December 12, can expect flying carpets, a high speed car chase and plenty of jokes together with super costumes, lots of singing and dancing.

Basil Brush, who is celebrating 40 years in show business, will be playing the emperor and promises there will be lots of fun in store for all the family.

He said: “We will bring lots of laughter and everyone will have a boom-tastic time. It is going to be one of the occasions where the whole family can come along.

“I will even do a bit of singing. I'm looking forward to it.”

The cast will be headed by Debra Stephenson as Aladdin. Best known for her roles as Frankie Baldwin in Coronation Street and Shell Dockley from Bad Girls, Debra said she was excited about taking part in a fun production which her children can enjoy.

She said: “This is my first time in Ipswich. I have got two kids of my own so really want to make this show brilliant for them. I have just been shooting a documentary in America about jail and had to spend a night in a prison. It was grim so I could not wait to come back and get into a family, fun show.”

Although she said she will not be returning to the streets of Weatherfield, she did hint that there are exciting plans in the pipeline for next year which will see her return to our screens.

Aladdin will run from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, January 4.

For tickets call the box office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com.

What do you think of past pantomimes at the Regent? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk