Meet the Powerhouse Team Bringing Aladdin to Life at Hall for Cornwall This Christmas

Published On: 17 June 2025Last Updated: 17 June 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Back Row L to R J Boast, H Tiplady, E Rowe Front Row L to R R Healey, N Evans, J Howard-Jones, K McDonald

A festive treat packed with Cornish talent and West End flair

Hall for Cornwall has announced the creative team behind this year’s Christmas production of Aladdin, and it’s a cast of behind-the-scenes stars with strong Celtic ties and big stage experience.

Brought to the Cornwall Playhouse by Cornwall Playhouse Productions, the show is a major festive production for the Truro venue and will run from Friday 5th to Wednesday 31st December. Tickets are now on sale via www.hallforcornwall.co.uk.

West End talent meets Cornish creativity

📷Nick Evans

At the helm is director Nick Evans, whose extensive career includes work as Associate Director on Billy Elliot the Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, and Bat Out of Hell. Nick’s Celtic roots were part of the appeal for the role, having family links to Cornish tin miners who moved to the Welsh Valleys.

“Aladdin is going to be a fast and furious adventure, with all the fun and warmth Hall for Cornwall is known for serving up at Christmas, with a little musical theatre magic added in for good measure,” said Nick. “Aladdin is perhaps my favourite Christmas show and to be able to lead the adventure out of Truro and around the world is something that feels like a real wish come true!”

A Cornish-led production team

Helen Tiplady, Deputy Creative Director at Hall for Cornwall, returns as Producer, with Julien Boast, HfC CEO and Creative Director, taking on the role of Executive Producer. Julien said:

“What a powerhouse team we’ve assembled for Aladdin. We’ve landed a great blend of Cornish, West End and international experience, ready to forge another unforgettable Cornwall Playhouse production. We know our Christmas shows sit at the heart of so many festive calendars and we can’t wait for everyone to join us on the magic carpet for what promises to be a very Cornish adventure.”

Also returning is Kelly McDonald as Assistant Producer. Kelly started her career at Hall for Cornwall as a Stage Doorkeeper and has worked her way up, taking on the Assistant Producer role for Jack and the Beanstalk last year.

Local writers bring new twist to classic tale

The script has been co-written by two Cornwall-based creatives. Richard Healey, who teaches at Falmouth University’s Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, teams up with Edward Rowe, best known for his Kernow King character. Edward has starred in three previous Hall for Cornwall Christmas productions and makes his debut this year as a writer.

Choreography and movement

Choreography is in the hands of Jevan Howard-Jones, who returns after working on Peter Pan for Cornwall Playhouse Productions. Jevan’s credits include the film adaptation of Wicked and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne West End/UK Tour).

A production rooted in community and creativity

Aladdin will be presented in association with Falmouth University and supported by Cornwall Airport Newquay, with Hall for Cornwall’s in-house production company, Cornwall Playhouse Productions, leading the way.

Located in Truro, Hall for Cornwall reopened in 2021 following a £30 million redevelopment. The 1350-seat Cornwall Playhouse is the largest theatre in the county and is supported by creative programmes such as Husa and Get Creative, which works with over 11,000 young people across Cornwall each year.

Tickets are available now at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk.