Celebrity chef and Norwich City FC superfan Delia Smith is set to appear in this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime.
Smith, who recently sold her joint controlling stake in the football club, will voice the Great Spirit of Norwich in the venue’s take on Aladdin.
As well as Smith, this year’s cast includes Joe Tracini as Aladdin’s brother Reg, Tarik Frimpong as Aladdin, Meesha Turner as Jazz., Lisa Maxwell as the evil Aunt and Owen Evans as Widow Molly Piecrust.
“I am delighted to join the Norwich Theatre panto and can’t wait for it to kick off! Pantomime is such a wonderful tradition and a fantastic opportunity to bring joy and laughter to our community,” she said.
Norwich Theatre Chief Executive Stephen Crocker said: “In every production of Aladdin, the spirit is a hugely important part of the story as its presence and influence looks after and guides the hero of the story on his journey towards his fame, fortune and happiness.
“As Delia and Michael come to the end of their time as the guiding spirits of Norwich City Football Club, I couldn’t think of a more fun and appropriate way to mark this than to enrol Delia in the Norwich Panto Hall of Fame.”
Every year, Norwich Theatre donates pantomime tickets to those in the community who might not be able to attend otherwise. This year Norwich City Community Sports Foundation will distribute tickets to families they support.
- Aladdin opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 7 Dec 24, and runs over Christmas and New Year until 5 Jan 25.
