Magic is in the air… with truly lavish scenery, the most glittering of transformation scenes in the Cave of Jewels – and a Flying Carpet such as never seen in a theatre before, the Johannesburg Civic Theatre is proud to bring back one of the most popular and time-honoured “panto” legends of all – the magical story of ALADDIN brought to you in association with Jacaranda 94.2 and M-Net.

“Dame Winnie Wotalotigot” played by DESMOND DUBE, is the mother of five sons (of questionable paternity), including “Aladdin” played by JACO DU PLESSIS of the sensational South African band, “Eden” and his two fellow Eden band members, PAULO AZEVEDO and JOHAN VORSTER and ex- Eden band member SEAN ELSE,, with JEFFREY SEBOGODI in the role of the fifth child, called “Wishee Washee”.

Award-winning actor, writer, comedian, singer and dancer, DESMOND DUBE (perhaps better known for the Sasol Amaglug-glug advert and his part in Leon Schuster’s Panic Mechanic) is a born entertainer, who will delight audiences of all ages in the colourful role of “Dame Winnie Wotalotigot”. Alongside Desmond in a leading role is ANDRE SCHWARTZ, the popular theatre, television actor/presenter and recording artist who takes the role of the villain, “Abanazar”. Wearing a turban and gold-hoop earrings, Abanazar uses his evil powers to trick Aladdin. Can “KB Kool Kitten” played by South African singing sensation KEABETSWE (KB) MOTSILANYANE or the crafty “Genie of the Lamp”, played by AUBREY POO help Aladdin?

The popular tradition of a Janice Honeyman pantomime at The Johannesburg Civic Theatre is a “must” for many families and this year’s pantomime promises to continue the fun, laughter and entertainment enjoyed by children and adults alike. Over the past four years – SLEEPING BEAUTY, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, CINDERELLA and the 2005 smash hit GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS – created full houses and with every pantomime, the popularity of the “crazicomic panto” formula continues to grow.

In each previous pantomime a special guest star such as Spider-Man, the SA Lippizaners and boxing great Brian Mitchell joined the “panto” cast. This year the young three-member band “Eden” and the band’s ex-member and now solo singer, Sean Else are the special pantomime guest stars. Bernard Jay, CEO of the Johannesburg Civic Theatre promises to present the most spectacular of all pantomimes to date.

Booking at Computicket has already opened for performances beginning November 1st 2006. Tickets for previews range from R65 to R125 and for all other performances from R115 to R175 (exclusive of booking fees). Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling the theatre’s VIP Ticketing service on (011) 877 6854.