Devoted Star Trek fans from across the globe have snapped up tickets to this year’s Central Theatre panto, starring Mr Sulu actor George Takei.
The sci-fi legend, who has been given the nickname George of the Jungle since his stint on reality series I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, has proven a big draw with theatregoers.
Central Theatre bosses said tickets are selling fast and that online bookings had been made from as far afield as Japan.
George, who will take on the role of The Emperor of China in this year’s production of Aladdin, signed up to the show on the advice of fellow I’m A Celebrity... star Joe Swash, who led last year’s Chatham panto cast.
The veteran actor said: “I was back in England earlier this year and had dinner with Joe. He told me about the great experience he had and urged me to consider doing panto again.
“Joe raved about the wonderful audiences and the fun he had with the other actors, and I was intrigued by the idea.
“But I had no idea that fate would have me following right in his footsteps directly to The Central Theatre for the holidays.
“Now, I will learn for myself why Joe was so enthusiastic about the Chatham panto, and I’m really looking forward to my first visit to Medway”.
Playing the Emperor will surely be a royal treat compared to the horrors of the bush tucker trials in the jungle, and this year George will be watching the show in between rehearsals from the comfort of his dressing room.
George said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the jungle, having dismissed the concerns of show bosses.
“The producers of I’m a Celebrity told me that no one ‘of a certain age’ had taken part in the show before, and that the month-long stay in the rain forest would be physically demanding,” he said.
“Could I rise to meet this test? The only way to know was to do it. So, I boldly went where no one of ‘a certain age’ had gone before, and I am glad I did!”
George stars in Aladdin from Friday, December 11 to Sunday, January 3.
Tickets start at £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for children with group offers and early booking discounts available. For further information contact the box office on 01634 338338 or visit www.medwaypanto.co.uk
POSTED: 13/11/2009 11:17:39
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