Rea returns to Belfast for panto performance
Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea is to become a pantomime dame this Christmas, it emerged tonight.
The movie and theatre star, who received rave notices for his performances in Neil Jordan’s film The Crying Game, is to appear in a production of Aladdin in his native Belfast.
He will don wigs, dresses and make-up to play the widow Twanky in a production by the West Belfast based theatre company Dubbeljoint.
Patricia O’Hare also confirmed that the company was looking for young people to take part in the show and would be auditioning choirs, dancers, acrobats as well as painters and builders.
Rea has worked with acclaimed film directors including Robert Altman and with actors such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Pierce Brosnan.
He has also received rave notices for his work in the theatre, performing the Beirut hostage drama Someone To Watch Over Me to packed houses on Broadway and also taking lead roles in National Theatre productions in London.
It will be the first time he has performed in a pantomime in his home town.
Dubbeljoint was expecting ticket sales to rocket following the announcement that he would perform.
The company is planning two shows each day during the run from December 17 to January 2 at the Theatre on The Rock on Belfast’s Whiterock Road.
