Lila McConigley is playing the lead as Princess Jasmine in the pantomime production of "Aladdin" at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, England. Featured in the role of Aladdin is Brian Conley, England's outstanding comedian and talk show host, similarly known in England as Bob Hope was in the United States.

McConigley grew up in Casper. She studied at St. Anthony's School, Dean Morgan Junior High and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1992. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College and did postgraduate studies in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She is the daughter of Patrick and Nimi McConigley of Casper.

"Lila is doing an outstanding job. I think of all the cast of Aladdin, Lila has the hardest role," Conley said. "If I had to go to America and adapt to a totally new style of theatre I was not familiar with, I would really have a hard time. She has adapted brilliantly to a completely new and foreign tradition. She really understands it. In fact, I am convinced Lila was British in another life."

Pantomimes are a popular form of entertainment generally performed during the Christmas season. It has special appeal to children and families. Pantos (as they are known) date back to the middle ages and have survived the competition with more modern forms of theatre. They are usually based on fairy tales, like Cinderella, Snow White and Dick Whittington.

Theatres across England vie with each other to stage larger and more spectacular productions and to draw audiences by featuring celebrities and well known personalities in the leading roles.

McConigley said the five-week run of the show was completely sold out before it even opened on Dec. 2.

"This is probably one of the best artistic experiences I have ever had," McConigley said. "Our pantomime brings so much joy and happiness to children and families at Christmas, that every performance gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. It's a shame we don't have this wonderful tradition in the U.S., because it brings special meaning to the holiday season. I miss my family, friends and Casper so much at Christmas, but being in "Aladdin" at this time makes up a little for it."

McConigley has recently finished playing in Andrew Lloyd Webber's big West End hit "Bombay Dreams" and has since played leads in "Footsteps to the Moon," a sixties style anti-war musical and in an English translation of a long running Hungarian musical, "The Attic."

As Princess Jasmine, McConigley turned on the Christmas Lights of the town square of Dartford in the Burrough of Kent to bring in the holiday season. The Mayor of the Burrough presided over the festivities with her.