1965/66

Aladdin

New Theatre, Oxford
Billy Fury as Aladdin

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Early into the run of this pantomime run it became clear that Billy was having problems, particularly ironically with the singing, he seemed unable to project his voice in these days before radio microphones he was also suffering with his health.  Rather than continue with the gruelling twice daily schedule continued over a lengthy run, the producers agreed to release Billy from the panto, and bring in another star name to play the same role of “Aladdin” - Enter Jean Bayless who took on the role after sitting in on just one performance before appearing on stage with no proper rehearsal.