A new free exhibition is open to the public and panto-goers at the Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, that celebrates the history of Wolverhampton pantomime. The exhibition which is open to visitors right up to 22nd January 2017, looks at 120 years of Grand Theatre history in pantomime, previous Aladdin panto and has on display traditional Aladdin costumes. The first pantomime which opened on Christmas Eve of 1894 , just 2 weeks of the theatre’s opening, was Sinbad the Sailor.
The exhibition has a patchwork magic carpet, which has been pieced together by Claudia Gilmour, Head of Creative Learning and Education, as part of a community project, where 24 local community groups and schools participated. This is one of the two Aladdin themed completed carpets and hangs on display at the exhibition.
The exhibition has a rail of costumes. Children can try them out to become a character, like a panto prince or princess. Archive programmes are displayed on walls of information. Scot Bird, Press & PR Manager, said he is happy to see audience involved with the theatre and exhibition, like a pantomime, being enjoyed by old and young alike.
This year’s pantomime Aladdin, opens on 10th December (Saturday). The free exhibition is open until 22nd January. The Light House Media Centre will be closed from 24th December to 1st January 2017, and reopens with the exhibition from 2nd January evening.
