Delia Smith records her role for Norwich Theatre's pantomime

This week, the celebrated TV cook and former Canaries director added another string to her bow as she took on the role of panto star. 

Delia recorded her voice as the Great Spirit of Norwich and met the cast as they took a break from rehearsals. 

Delia Smith and the cast of the pantomime (Image: Norwich Theatre) The character plays an important part in the story, guiding Aladdin on his journey toward fame, fortune and happiness.   

Speaking about her role, Delia said: "Recording the Great Spirit of Norwich was huge fun!

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"It was wonderful to meet the talented cast and crew today.

"I know I have had a varied career, but I never thought that I would be in Norwich Theatre's pantomime production.

"I cannot wait for the audience to see the show."  

 The question on everyone's lips is whether her character will say the famous "Let's be having you" line, but a spokeswoman for the theatre said people will have to buy their tickers to find out.

L-R Owen Evans (Dame Molly Piecrust) and Joe Tracini (Reg) (Image: Andi Sapey) The 83-year-old will star alongside Lisa Maxwell as evil Professor Bellatrix Bottomburgh, Joe Tracini, who plays Aladdin's brother Reg, and Owen Evans who will play Dame Molly Piecrust.

West End star Tarik Frimpong is taking on the lead role of Aladdin who must battle evil to save his true love Jazz, played by Meesha Turner.

In the spirit of working with Delia and her connection to the football club, Norwich Theatre has donated tickets to Norwich City Community Sports Foundation to give out to people in their community who might not have been able to experience the theatre before.   
  
Aladdin opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on December 7 and runs over Christmas and New Year until January 5.

Book tickets online at norwichtheatre.org or by calling 01603 630 000.