“No man,” opined one contemporary commentator, “has ever carried on such a wholesale enterprise for the production of Pantomime” (Wilson, p. Such was his commitment to pantos that Littler established a dedicated production facility in Birmingham, ‘Pantomime House’, where a team of craftsmen and women worked year-round to prepare the costumes, scenery and props needed for the lavish shows (Konig 1949). 8).Ī producer of the old school, Littler took an active role in these shows, not only producing but also writing, casting, and, in many cases, directing them himself (Pedrick, p. In any given year, Littler would produce upwards of half-a-dozen pantos across the nationwide theatre chain he ran with brother, Prince, and sister, Blanche (Pedrick, p. Popularly dubbed the ‘King of Pantomimes’ – a soubriquet which was, admittedly, shared by a few other theatre magnates – Littler was famous for his legendary Christmas extravaganzas. 5).Īladdin also marked the second Christmas show Julie did with Emile Littler, the celebrated theatre impresario who, as discussed in an earlier post, was a formative figure in the star’s early career. She was thus ‘promoted’ in Aladdin to the ‘principal girl’ role of Princess Balroulbadour - her first adult part - and given top billing alongside the show’s other principals, Jean Carson and Nat Jackley (Bishop, p. By Christmas 1951, Julie was 16-years-old and an established young star of variety and radio. This week marks the 70th anniversary of another milestone event in the early career of Julie Andrews: the opening of Aladdin at the London Casino on 19 December 1951.Īladdin was Julie’s third annual pantomime, following earlier runs in Humpty Dumpty(1948) and Red Riding Hood(1950). London Casino, 103 performances with 1 charity preview

Boston opera house aladdin