Fairfield Halls may be closed for Christmas but Croydon is still set to get a professional panto with star names promised.

Waddon Leisure Centre in Purley Way will be transformed into a 400-seat theatre for the whole of December to host Aladdin.

The show is the result of a partnership between Q Productions – the sister company of The Pauline Quirk Academy of Performing Arts - the Fairfield Trust and the leisure centre. It promises a professional cast of West End performers and a star name.

Auditions will be held later in the year for young performers to join the juvenile ensemble.

Director of Q Productions, Eddie Dredge said: “We are so pleased that Q Productions will be bringing the magic of Aladdin to the people of Croydon this December.

“I have been following the news of Fairfield Halls’ closure closely and wanted to help keep theatre alive in the Croydon area while the theatre is dark.

“Visiting the pantomime at Christmas is time honoured family tradition, and one we’re thrilled to preserve for the people in Croydon. I’m really excited for this special production and look forward to working with the local community.”

Aladdin will run from December 7 to 31. Tickets cost from £11.50 to £16.50. Go to aladdincroydon.com

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