It’s finally here! Pantos are back to bring you that warm festive feeling just in time for Christmas! It’s time to get your tickets for the best shows in town, here’s your guide to panto season in Sunderland!

MISS RORY CHECKS INTO SR1…

A staple of the North East’s panto scene, the fabulously hilarious Miss Rory is making her way to Sunderland from 9 December to 2 January for an epic reimagining of Aladdin at the Sunderland Empire! We sat down with Miss Rory to chat all things panto, Sunderland and Aladdin…

Miss Rory, you’re performing in Sunderland this panto season, what’s your favourite thing about the city?

The people, of course! They’re the best. Oh, and the theatre is definitely one of the most beautiful in the country. Oh! And if you stand at one Greggs and squint, you can see another Greggs. What’s not to love about all of that?

How do you rate a Sunderland audience vs the rest of the UK?

They win hands down every time. They really are the best audience in the UK. We absolutely love them, and I personally know from the bags and bags of fan mail that I get, that they love me too.

Where do you go in Sunderland for a post-show tipple/tea?

The Dunn Cow is a favourite. I hear that there’s a Botanist coming to Sunderland soon, so I’m sure to be found in there…I love plants. Gin is grown from a plant isn’t it? Grinder Coffee Co on Durham Road is great for an early morning boost too!

You’re playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin, what can we expect from a Miss Rory version of this classic panto character?

Rorina Twankey is hilariously funny, hard as nails, knows what she wants (a man) and isn’t afraid to get it. There won’t be much acting involved this year really.

Can we expect some big laughs in this reimagining of Aladdin?

Oh yes you can! What else could you expect with Tom ‘aren’t y’canny’ Whalley. He sets them up and I…forget the punchlines! This year our audience are in for the biggest festive treat yet. I’ve seen the script and laughed…a LOT! We have an amazing cast, fabulous costumes, amazing sets, great songs…all the ingredients for the ‘Canniest Panto in the North East’. We can’t wait!!

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