Audiences heading for Bournemouth’s pantomime at the Pavilion this Christmas will find Yellow Buses’ specially-branded vehicle just the ticket.
For the single-decker is emblazoned with the faces of the stars of Aladdin – including television’s Richard Blackwood and Amelia Lily.
The bus will be running on all routes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the run-up to the panto and duration of the show itself, from December 7 to January 5.
And the Bournemouth-based, locally-owned bus company’s mascot Buster Bear was on hand to meet the cast at the theatre and on a short journey.
Aladdin stars actor and rapper Richard Blackwood as Abanazar, X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother finalist Amelia Lily as Spirit of the Ring, and Bournemouth panto favourites Noel Brodie and David Ball as Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey.
Richard is best known recently for playing hardman Vincent Hubbard in EastEnders from 2015 to 2018, followed by ITV’s Dancing on Ice last winter.
Aladdin, sponsored by Pier Approach bar and restaurant Hot Rocks, is being staged by the same team behind the hugely successful production of Cinderella last year.
The laugh-out-loud story of Aladdin’s spectacular adventures is likely to play to packed houses and includes stunning scenery and, of course, a flying carpet.
Fiona Harwood, Marketing and Sales Manager of Yellow Buses said: “Yellow Buses is very much part of the fabric of Bournemouth and the Pavilion’s traditional family pantomime is at the heart of the community we serve.
“Therefore, we didn’t have a moment’s hesitation before dressing our first panto bus. We will also be running our special open top Christmas bus for our passengers to experience the sparkling Christmas lights in November and December.”
The bus is among a fleet of 10 community inspired vehicles produced by Yellow Buses for particular organisations or occasions.
Tia Thorp, BH Live Product Marketing Manager, added: “We are trying to get as many people exploring the arts as possible and this bus will help to spread the word right across the conurbation and help us build audiences across all age groups.
“We are grateful to Yellow Buses for their support. It is another excellent example of how businesses in Bournemouth can work together for the common good. And remember, catching a bus is way to get to the panto.”
Yellow Buses was acquired by its management team – David Squire, Managing Director; Simon Newport, Commercial Director and Phil Pannell, Service Delivery Director – from RATP Dev in a management buyout in July 2019 for an undisclosed sum.