The centre made Aladdin star Sheila Ferguson’s very own wish come true by presenting her with a handmade glass lamp.
The former Three Degrees singer and actress, who is starring as the Genie in Aladdin at the Sunderland Empire, received the lamp on stage from the centre’s studio co-ordinator, Stephanie Moore.
The delicate 30cm glass lamp was designed and created by Norman Veitch, a partner of Wearside Glass Sculptures based at the Glass Centre, using a technique which forms highly-decorative pieces by heating rods of glass and using tools to manipulate them into shape.
It is the second successive year Wearside Glass Sculptures have worked in partnership with the Sunderland Empire for its pantomime.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to be working with the Sunderland Empire once again,” said Norman.
“My inspiration for the lamp was gathered by studying several different designs.
“With a bit of luck, the final lamp will bring just enough magic to the show.”
The National Glass Centre will be celebrating the Christmas holidays with live and interactive glass-blowing, giving a unique opportunity to watch people making glass by hand from today until New Year’s Eve.
With free parking, a shop, café/restaurant and exhibition space, the National Glass Centre’s family-friendly glass-blowing days run from 10am to 5pm.
Aladdin’s run at the Empire finishes on January 4. For tickets call 0844 847 2499.