THE search is hotting up for a fresh talent to appear in panto alongside TV star Tim Vincent.
Aladdin is being staged in Wrexham in December by panto supremo Simon Barry, who has been in the business for more than 40 years.
It will feature Tim as well as a host of other famous names – and possibly you.
The North West’s Got Talent competition is open to anyone from North Wales,
Cheshire and Shropshire, but prospective stars be warned: Simon claims to make his namesake Mr Cowell look “positively friendly”.
Simon and TV presenter Tim will be joined by Maxine Pittaway, award-winning headteacher of St Christopher’s school in Wrexham, on the judging panel for the audition day in September.
There has already been a great response to the competition from people of all ages who believe they have what it takes to tread the boards in the show.
Simon said: “The competition is very exciting because we are looking for some new, undiscovered talent in the area.
“Because it’s a new venue we want to give people in the region an opportunity to show what they can do.
“The object is to find somebody who has a genuine talent, be it singing or dancing, and to give them that start.”
Simon, one of the most respected producers in the business, has been producing pantomimes since 1990 and, before that, had starred in them since 1967.
One of his former cast members, who worked with him as a youngster, is currently taking the lead in a nationwide tour of hit musical Chicago.
Simon has worked with Tim before and is looking forward to bringing Aladdin to Glyndwr University.
He said: “Tim’s absolutely lovely. He’s a really good company member and that’s what you have to have in panto. If you have a nice company that gets on well then that shines out over the footlights.
“I’ve visited Wrexham a few times recently and the venue is great and the people are all really, really nice.”
Aladdin runs from December 9 until January 2. For more details visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk.
HOW TO ENTER
Are you a budding singer or dancer who would like to perform in Aladdin? Then Tim and Simon want to hear from you.
Auditions will take place on Saturday, September 18 at Glyndwr University’s William Aston Hall, from 10am until 4pm.
Performances on the day must be no longer than two minutes in length and you must provide your own backing track on CD if required.
The competition is open to all ages but entrants must be available during the pantomime’s season.
If you feel you have what it takes and would like to register your interest, send you name, age, address and telephone number, via email, to aladdinpantowrexham@hotmail.com.
The winner will get to perform in the panto.