Meet the Cast of Theatre Royal’s Aladdin: Part 1
We chat to Clive Webb and Danny Adams about Aladdin and celebrating 20 years in pantomime at Newcastle Theatre Royal
Newcastle Theatre Royal’s pantomimes are always a must-do during the festive season, and this year’s show Aladdin is extra-special as it marks the 20th panto that favourites Clive Webb and Danny Adams have performed in at the theatre.
Ahead of its opening night in late November, we caught up with Clive and Danny to find out what to expect from this year’s pantomime and how it feels to be celebrating 20 years in panto at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
You’ve been performing in pantomimes at Theatre Royal for 20 years now. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen during that time?
Clive: Well, it’s marched on! First of all, technology has changed and that’s changed a lot of it. We do ad lib a lot and we have to have it in the right places and at the right time because a lot of it can be cues for lighting and things like that. The lighting and sound sometimes works off what we say, so it could be a word that’s cuing a lighting plot – so that’s all changed. And, of course, it’s made it a lot more spectacular!
Danny: I think it’s the technology too. When we first came here 20 years ago, the set and the effects were all very standard and now with technology moving forward, the special effects are unbelievable now. And obviously, from 20 years ago, we’ve got people that were kids back then that are now bringing their own kids which is brilliant!
Do you have a favourite show or standout moment from the past 20 years?
Clive: Sleeping Beauty was the best pantomime we did. To tell you the truth, when we first knew we were doing it, I didn’t think it was going to be, but it turned out brilliant for some reason. Everything was just right.
Danny: Not really. Every year, every panto we do is always the one that I think has been the best because it does get bigger and better every year! Probably not any standout moments – just every panto in the past 10 years has been fantastic.
What do you think makes Newcastle pantomime audiences special?
Clive: They’re certainly 100% into the slapstick humour which is great, and they love to have a good laugh, and that’s what it’s really all about. I did lots of pantomimes before this down south and you know how miserable the southerners are – some nights I thought they were drinking cement, it was terrible!
Danny: I think it’s the humour. I don’t think they take themselves too seriously. I think the Geordie sense of humour and the North East is really magical. And I always say it’s like the football – Newcastle embraces their football like no other city and it’s very much the same with the panto. Before we came here, we used to tour around every year somewhere different but when we came here and the love and passion for it is like nowhere else in the country.
Clive, how does it feel having Aladdin dedicated to you both in light of your 20 years doing panto at Theatre Royal?
Clive: It’s a great honour – it really is! In the beginning we never thought it was going to happen. We came here for one year and then we were asked back and it’s carried on. You never expect it. It’s like a little accolade, isn’t it?
And Danny, how does feel it having done panto at Newcastle Theatre Royal for two decades now?
Danny: It’s fantastic! It’s a lovely way to make a living and you know, I’ve never done anything else in my life!
Can you tell us what to expect from the show this year?
Clive: Well, it is the story of Aladdin but it’s more set in Geordie Land and brought up to date. I mean, there weren’t any mobile phones and cars in Aladdin’s time … but there could be in this one!
Danny: It’s been completely rewritten and it’s got a real North East, Newcastle and Geordie feel to it and I think our audience particularly will love it. It’s bigger it’s better and it’s really cleverly written this year.
If you could describe the pantomime in three words, what would they be?
Clive: Absolutely spectacular – two words actually!
Danny: Whirlwind of madness!
And finally, if you could have any wish, what would your number one wish be?
Clive: Another 20 years here!
Danny: To keep going and doing more pantos here. If I could get another 20 years, it would be amazing! I just love the city, I love the theatre and I love the people!
Well, we’d like to say a big congratulations to Danny and Clive for their 20-year milestone and personally can’t wait to see Aladdin when panto season rolls around! And, if you like to read what fellow cast members Joe McElderry, Chris Hayward, Mick Potts and Wayne Smith think about this year’s panto then read Meet the Cast of Theatre Royal’s Aladdin: Part 2.
Aladdin runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 25th November 2025 to Sunday 18th January 2026. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Newcastle Theatre Royal website.
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