The Drill has kicked off the festive season in spectacular style with four sold out shows of Aladdin at the recently refurbished and rebranded Lincoln Drill Hall – now known as The Drill.

Staged by Jamie Marcus Productions, the family favourite pantomime launched on Saturday 11th December with a string of sold-out performances and will run through to Sunday 2nd January for 33 electrifying performances in total.

The Drill run is inviting audiences to enjoy a fun and frenzied performance with an eclectic cast in the run-up to Christmas – as well as a sneak-peek into one of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks following an extensive renovation and reimagining.

The ‘entire front of house’ area has been completed in time for the panto, including the new entrance, box office, bar, cafe and restaurant areas. While the building’s original features have been retained and preserved, the landmark shines like never before.

The Drill’s director, Mark Taylor, said: “We’re tremendously excited to be opening our doors to the public once again – especially as we welcome audiences for some feel-good family fun this Christmas.

“The team has pulled out all the stops, with powerful performances from a stellar cast – and we’re even featuring a spectacular flying carpet to really set the scene. 

“While we’re currently open in a reduced capacity to ensure that everyone feels safe and maintains social distancing, nothing about the production is in any way diminished. It’s the show you and the whole family know and love – shining, shimmering, splendid… and more than a bit silly!

“The Drill itself looks absolutely fantastic and the comments and feedback we’ve had from visitors so far has been wonderful to hear – But we’re not done yet! Once Aladdin flies off to Agrabah in January, we’ll be closing once again to make our backstage just as impressive as our front of house before we fully reopen in February.”

Inspired by the Arabic folk tale from ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ and the 1992 and 2019 blockbusters, Rory Dulku is taking to the stage in the titular role of Aladdin, with Princess Jasmine portrayed by Georgia Gallagher and the Genie is being brought to life by Jordan Shiel. Of course, no pantomime would be complete without the infamous Widow Twankey, who is embodied by “Lincoln’s favourite Dame”, James Campbell, and the evil Abanazar, played by Craig Garner, has joined the camp and candid performance as the characters trade barbs in a musical battle of wits.

Tickets are available from just £16 and with a further four upcoming shows already sold out, there’s no time to waste. To secure yours, click here or contact the box office on 01522 534 160.

Seating is adhering to social distancing guidelines, with one seat being left between bookings so that audiences can enjoy the spellbinding show in safety. 

Following the final show in the season on 2nd January, The Drill will temporarily close to add some final finishing touches to the venue’s dramatic regeneration, before a grand opening that is planned for early February.

To see the full schedule of upcoming shows at the revamped community hub and entertainment venue, visit www.lincolndrill.co.uk.