Design by Cynthia Tingey for Aladdin and Princess Balroubadour in the 'Flyaway Palace' scene in Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, London Palladium, 1964

Design for Aladdin and Princess Balroubadour in Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, showing, on the left, a male full length figure and, on the right, a female full length figure, the man wearing a hip length reddish-brown Chinese style tunic edged with gold and with two gold foliate patterns to the front, over a blue mandarin collared shirt, and dark brown trousers (or tights), the woman in an elaborate pink Chinese style floor length dress, patterned with pink flowers. She wears a pink and gold headdress and pendant earrings. The design has been cut down and to the left are the arm, leg and foot of another character holding the lamp. The background is painted in bold stokes of dark browny-grey gouache. The design is signed and dated and inscribed with the name of the scene. The actors' names are written on the reverse.

Given by the artist

This is one of a collection of designs for pantomime and cabaret, given to the Theatre Museum by the designer, Cynthia Tingey, who created the costumes for 15 of the annual London Palladium pantomimes. This design was made for the pantomime, Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, at the London Palladium, 22 December 1964. The production was directed by Albert J. Knight. Cliff Richard played Aladdin, with Una Stubbs as Princess Balroubadour.

Historical significance: An example of pantomime costume design of the second half of the 20th century and of the work of a designer who specialised in pantomime and variety design. It is also an example of a pantomime costume for a principal boy and illustrates a feature of pantomime of the 20th century: the employment of stars of popular music, entertainment and television in leading roles, rather than established actors.

S.4-1999