Aladdin panto double whammy for Promote!

The talented artistes of Action Mental Health’s Promote Service have been busy preparing for their annual Christmas pantomime which this year will be staged on two occasions – to meet demand!

Clients today (Wednesday) donned the grease paint for the premiere of Aladdin, funded with the assistance of Ards and North Down Borough Council, for the first of two performances.

They’ll tread the boards again for a repeat performance on the evening of Thursday, December 11.

The annual performance is a much-loved event at Promote, which caters for adults with learning disabilities. Clients, at the Conlig-based centre, put their hearts and souls into their amateur dramatics, which prove a high point for staff and the charity as a whole.

This year, Aladdin is being staged with the assistance of a drama coach and facilitator, funded by the council, and will be aided by the incorporation of the Makaton sign language system. The funding also enabled a visiting artist to work on the sets and props.

Clients have been busy rehearsing since September, with this year’s special guest being Clare McStay, Community Services Manager from funders, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Ards and North Down mayor, alderman Bill Keery will also be among the audience.

The pantomime is among Promote’s annual festive calendar of events which included a Christmas craft and jumble sale, carol singing at two local retail stores and will culminate in a Christmas client dinner later in December.