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Discover why Imagine Theatre is one of the UK's leading independent pantomime producers. With more than 275 professional pantomimes, award-winning productions, nationwide reach, carbon-neutral operations and a commitment to accessible, sustainable family entertainment, Imagine Theatre continues to set the standard for modern pantomime production across the UK.
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Vernon Kay - Bromley
joe pasquale - dartford
Su Pollard - Crewe
Gethin Jones - Cardiff
jenny ryan - leicester
La Voix - Wycombe
justin fletcher - reading
Vernon Kay, La Voix, Gethin Jones, Jack P. Shepherd, Owain Wyn Evans, Anne Hegerty, Richie Anderson, Steve Speirs, Su Pollard, Joe Pasquale, AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Jenny Ryan, Suzanne Shaw, Justin Fletcher and more join an all-star line-up across 21 pantomimes nationwide
This Christmas, some of the UK’s most recognisable faces are heading to a theatre near you as Imagine Theatre unveils its spectacular 2026 season. With twenty one pantomimes, this season promises to be bigger, brighter and packed with more star power than ever, with an incredible roll-call of familiar faces joining the finest panto dames, comics, dancers and singers from across the UK.
Four of the UK’s favourite TV and radio presenters – Vernon Kay, Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans and Richie Anderson – swap the studio for the stage and a good dose of panto madness. They’ll be joined by screen and stage favourites including Steve Speirs and Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd, while panto royalty Su Pollard, Joe Pasquale and Strictly Come Dancing favourite La Voix are guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles.
There’s no shortage of familiar faces for younger audiences either. Megastar Justin Fletcher will be joined by Balamory’s PC Plum, Andrew Agnew, double BAFTA winner Mark Rhodes and popular CBeebies presenter Rebecca Keatley.
Reaching for the wand rather than the buzzer this Christmas are ‘Chasers’ Anne Hegerty and Jenny Ryan, with twinkle-toed brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Britain’s Got Talent finalists Han & Fran, pop and musical theatre favourite Suzanne Shaw, and much-loved ‘Joseph’ Keith Jack adding even more sparkle to the season.
owain wyn evans - swansea
anne hegerty - fareham
richie anderson - swindon
Joining this stellar line-up is a host of well-known West End performers, who will share the stage with talented local youngsters, giving audiences the chance to see the stars of tomorrow performing alongside some of Britain’s best-known faces.
This year, Imagine Theatre will present panto in Bromley, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Coventry, Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Halifax, Hertford, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Leamington Spa, Llandudno, Leicester, Reading, Stafford, Swansea and Swindon.
The season builds on Imagine Theatre's award-winning track record, with the company having received almost 40 UK Pantomime Association Award nominations in recent years and taking home nine awards, including Best Set and Best Pantomime Over 900 Seats.
jack p shepherd - llandudno
rebecca keatley - swansea
aj & curtis pritchard - leamington
Laura Taylor, Head of Celebrity Casting at Imagine Theatre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s line-up of shows and stars. Pantomime season is always such a special time of year and it’s a rare opportunity for the whole family to get together, have some escapism and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, we need to make sure the cast on stage are having a good time too as that becomes infectious. The shows that we’ve put together this year are guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun!”
Steve Boden, Joint CEO of Imagine Theatre, said:” Creating panto is special. It’s a huge team effort, from the team behind the scenes and our cast and crew, everyone brings a bit of themselves to it. We’re incredibly proud this year once again to work with such a brilliant mix of established names and local talent, and to create shows that value tradition and storytelling, putting families at the front and centre. We put a lot of heart into our pantomimes, and I hope that comes across the moment the curtain goes up.”
Expect spectacular sets, big dance numbers, hilarious comedy, singalong favourites, sensational special effects and plenty of audience participation - all the glorious chaos that makes panto one of Britain’s favourite traditions.
Dust off those festive jumpers and get ready to boo, hiss, cheer and sing your heart out. Christmas is coming, and Imagine Theatre is bringing a whole lot of panto magic with it.
Visit imaginetheatre.co.uk for more information and tickets
mark rhodes = stafford
suzanne shaw = swansea
andrew agnew - bromley
steve speirs = cardiff
ADAM SMITH THEATRE. KIRKCALDY
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
03 December 2026 – 30 December 2026
Beauty and the Beast comes to life at the Adam Smith Theatre this Christmas with a magical Christmas pantomime packed with laughs, dazzling sets and show-stopping performances the whole family will love. When a prince is cursed only true love can break the spell before the final petal falls from the enchanted rose. Can Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love the Beast?
Whether it’s your first visit or a festive tradition, don’t miss one of Fife’s most popular Christmas shows.
BEAM: HERTFORD
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
09 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A giant adventure is climbing its way to BEAM this Christmas as Jack and the Beanstalk bursts onto the stage in a spectacular, toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud pantomime for the whole family. When the Trott family finds themselves without a bean to their name and an evil giant threatens their village, brave young Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of magic beans sparking an epic journey to the land of giants.
Back by popular demand are larger -than life dame MAMA G and comedian and magician Tom Brace joined by local favourite Alistair Barrie,. Bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever, whether you’re a panto regular or brand new to the tradition, this is the festive treat you won’t want to miss
CARMARTHEN LYRIC THEATRE
DICK WHITTINGTON
10 – 28 December 2026
The cat’s out of the bag… Dick Whittington is coming to The Lyric, This classic family pantomime will be packed with dazzling costumes, toe-tapping songs, belly-laughs, and more panto mischief than you can shake a spotted handkerchief at!
When Dick realises he is penniless, he sets out on a journey to London, where the streets are reportedly paved with gold. And, of course, his trusty cat joins him for this paw-some adventure.
Expect fairytale fun, enchanting sets, and a show-stopping cast that will have you cheering, booing, and singing along from start to finish. It’s a magical festive tradition you won’t want to miss!
CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY
SLEEPING BEAUTY
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley
Radio and TV Favourite Vernon Kay is heading to Bromley this Christmas as he returns to the pantomime stage in Churchill Theatre's spectacular production of Sleeping Beauty. He is joined by Balamory’s PC Plum Andrew Agnew and West End Theatre favourites Rebekah Lowings, James Bisp Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli and Sophie Naglik.
When Carabosse’s evil curse causes Princess Beauty to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her before it is too late? Packed with dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery, side-splitting comedy and show-stopping songs, this high-quality production promises festive fun for all ages that will leave the whole family wide awake with excitement.
COVENTRY BELGRADE
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
18 November 2026 – 02 January 2027
For Christmas 2026, the Belgrade Theatre presents the most enchanting tale of all, Beauty and the Beast, written by and starring Coventry’s favourite dame, Iain Lauchlan. When beautiful Belle is kidnapped by a frightening Beast and locked away in his terrifying castle, she soon discovers there may be more to the Beast than meets the eye. Can he change his selfish ways and find true love before it is too late?
Guaranteed to bring a touch of magic, mayhem and monstrous fun to your festive celebrations. Expect breathtaking sets, crazy costumes and the seasonal silliness that makes a trip to the Belgrade san unmissable treat for thousands of families every year.
CREWE LYCEUM
SLEEPING BEAUTY
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Sleeping Beauty at Crewe Lyceum stars national treasure and panto legend Su Pollard, alongside Cheshire favourites Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnston, returning by popular demand. When the wicked fairy Carabosse casts her sinister curse, the princess is doomed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep enchanted sleep. Can anyone break the spell before it is too late?
Bursting with everything you love about the Crewe Lyceum pantomime, This pant of your dreams promises laugh-out-loud comedy a fabulously outrageous dame, a deliciously wicked villain, show stopping musical numbers and plenty of slapstick fun for audiences of all ages in a magical festive adventure.
DE MONTFORT HALL, LEICESTER
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
12 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Beauty and the Beast stars The Chase TV quiz legend Jenny Ryan welcoming back comedian Jarred
Christmas and Leicester’s very own larger-than-life panto dame Jack Ballard. When a prince is cursed to live as a Beast, only true love can break the spell before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
In a fairytale story beloved by generations young and old, with hilarious jokes, catchy songs, and panto joy aplenty, this charming pantomime promises to be a festive treat for the whole family it would be beastly to miss.
EDEN COURT, INVERNESS
CINDERELLA
02 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Eden Court’s spectacular family pantomime is back with all the magic, music and mayhem you’ve come to know and love! Poor Cinderella dreams of a very different life as she toils night and day, but when a royal invitation arrives, her chance to escape could finally be within reach. Will her wicked stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness or can her Fairy Godmother and ever-cheerful Buttons work their magic in time?
Everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale will be full of all of the ingredients you love from the Eden Court panto: side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.
FAREHAM LIVE
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Fee-fi-fo-fum! The Chase’s Anne Hegerty heads to Fareham Live this Christmas alongside returning panto Dame Josiah Eloi in a giant family adventure. When Jack swaps his family cow for a handful of magic beans, he finds himself on an epic journey to the land of giants. But with an evil giant terrorising the village, will Jack be able to save the day?
Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more magic than you can shake a bean at in a spectacular, toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud festive treat for the whole family.
GALLEON CENTRE, KILMARNOCK
BEAUTY AND THE BEASTIE
27 November 2026 – 27 December 2026
The Killie panto returns to the Galleon Auditorium this festive season with the enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beastie! When a selfish prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can village beauty Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?
Packed with everything Kilmarnock panto audiences adore – a magical fairytale, laugh-out-loud comedy, toe-tapping songs and plenty of festive sparkle – this spectacular production promises fun for the whole family.
GLASGOW PAVILION
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BONNIE BEARS
26 November 2026 – 10 January 2027 (
Glasgow’s much-loved panto returns with Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, starring Pavilion favourites Liam Dolan, Grado, Stephen Purdon, Scott Fletcher, Jack Jester, Jennifer Neil, Valissa Scott and Craig
Glover, alongside The Dolls’ Louise McCarthy. When Goldilocks, daughter of circus owner Gertie, encounters a family of three bonnie bears, she must team up with her new furry friends to save the circus from a wicked ringmaster.
Packed with festive spirit, all of the usual Pav mayhem, side-splitting comedy, and plenty of surprises for kids and grown-ups alike, this is the Pavilion’s must-see festive tradition, fun, festive, and oh-so-full of cheer! Don’t miss the fairy-tale extravaganza that’s “just right” for the whole family!
LEAMINGTON ROYAL SPA CENTRE
CINDERELLA
04 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/info/71/panto
Cinderella comes to the Royal Spa Centre this Christmas with dance duo AJ and Curtis Pritchard leading the cast.
Poor Cinderella toils night and day, dreaming of a very different life. When a royal invitation arrives, it seems her wish for a brighter future might finally come true. But will her Wicked Stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness? Or can her Fairy Godmother – with a little help from the ever-cheerful Buttons – work their magic in time?
Everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale will be full of all of the ingredients you love from the Spa Centre panto: side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers, and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.
NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A tale as old as time is coming to life! Beauty and the Beast stars much-loved TV Presenter Gethin Jones star alongside film and stage actor Steve Speirs and Cardiff’s favourite Dame Mike Doyle in a panto packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, show-stopping songs, and jaw-dropping magic that will delight the entire family, When a Prince is cursed to live as a fearsome Beast, only true love can break the spell before the last petal falls. Could Belle, a book-loving village girl, be his heroine?
Join in the fun with a cast of colourful characters as they discover that true beauty lies within!
ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD
CINDERELLA
12 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
The biggest ball of the year awaits… and you’re all invited! Panto legend Joe Pasquale returns to Dartford to star in
Cinderella at the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre. He is joined by Musical Theatre favourites Keith Jack, Abbie Budden, Ben Goffe, Gareth Mitchell, Garnon Davies and Vanessa Dumatey.
As Cinderella dreams of escaping her life of chores, a royal invitation offers her the chance to change her fortunes – but can she make it to the ball before midnight?
Brilliantly brought to life with an amazing, immersive award-winning set featuring animated scenes, glittering costumes, and mesmerising special effects that will leave the whole family gasping with delight. Packed with plenty of festive sparkle, laugh-out-loud comedy, show-stopping songs, audience participation galore Cinderella promises to be the perfect festive treat for all the family.
READING HEXAGON
ALADDIN
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
www.whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/aladdin-panto-2026
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin as Reading’s favourite panto double act, children’s TV megastar Justin Fletcher and award-winning dame Paul Morse take you on a magical family adventure. on a spellbinding adventure as Aladdin attempts to outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune, and win the heart of his true love.
Full of laughter, wonder, and festive cheer, Aladdin will feature another dazzling digital set with animated scenes and mesmerising effects, plus all of the ingredients you know and love in a Hexagon pantomime - side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes and show-stopping musical numbers! Create unforgettable memories with friends and family in this fabulous Christmas treat
STAFFORD GATEHOUSE
ALADDIN
04 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin Stafford’s unmissable family pantomime starring Mark Rhodes, David Phipps-Davis and Smantha Spragg. Will Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune, and win the heart of his true love? Join us to find out in a spellbinding adventure bursting with laughter, wonder, and festive cheer.
Packed with side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, Aladdin has all the ingredients for the ultimate Christmas treat.
SWANSEA GRAND
SNOW WHITE
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Are you ready for the most magical panto of them all? BBC presenter Owain Wyn Evans, CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw, panto favourite Christian Patterson and funnyman
Steve Walls lead the cast of Snow White at Swansea Grand Theatre, with a special digital appearance from Swansea’s own Kev Johns.
When the Magic Mirror declares Snow White the fairest of them all, the Wicked Queen is consumed by jealousy. Can Snow White’s friends save her?
Packed with glittering costumes, show-stopping songs, laugh-out-loud comedy and more magic than you can wave a wand at, this is the Christmas tradition your family won't want to miss!
VENUE CYMRU
SLEEPING BEAUTY
12 December 2026 – 02 January 2027
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd leads the cast of Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru this Christmas alongside Llandudno favourites John Evans, Simon Nehan , Britain’s Got Talent stars Han and Fran and musical theatre star Corrine Cherish. When wicked fairy Carabosse’s curse causes Princess Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her before it is too late?
Packed with everything you love about the Venue Cymru pantomime: a side-splitting comic, an outrageous dame, a delightfully devious baddie, spectacular musical numbers and plenty of slapstick fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on the panto of your dreams
VICTORIA THEATRE HALIFAX
ALADDIN
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Make your Christmas wishes come true as Aladdin takes to the stage at Halifax’s Victoria Theatre. Andrew Pollard and Matthew Allen, Halifax’s much-loved panto duo, return to pantoland for another magical adventure. Will Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune and win the heart of his true love?
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into a spectacular world packed with laughter, wonder and festive cheer.
Packed with side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, Aladdin has all the ingredients for the ultimate Christmas treat.
WYCOMBE SWAN
PETER PAN
11 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Darlings, she’s back! The fabulous La Voix returns to the Wycombe panto with even more magic, glitter (and sequins!) as the mischievous Tinker Bell. Expect comedy and mayhem as she teams up with hilarious funnyman Kev Orkian as Smee. One thing is for sure… you will be laughing your socks off all the way to Neverland!
Join Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys on a swashbuckling journey to the magical island Neverland, where adventure awaits around every corner - and the dastardly Captain Hook is never far behind.
Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular special effects, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation and all the panto magic you know and love, this timeless tale will delight children and grown-ups alike. It’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
WYVERN THEATRE, SWINDON
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
05 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
A giant adventure is climbing it’s way to the Wyvern Theatre this Christmas, starring Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, Britain’s Got Talent’s Jamie Leahey and Swindon’s favourite panto dame David Ashley. When Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of magic beans, he finds himself on an extraordinary journey to the land of giants. Will they really have to sell Buttercup the family cow just to survive?
Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more panto magic than you can shake a bean at! Bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever. Whether you’re a panto regular or brand new to the tradition, this is the festive treat you won’t want to miss.
Imagine Theatre are an innovative, award-winning theatre production company offering spectacular entertainment for the whole family across the UK.
Building on a legacy of family entertainment stretching back over 25 years, Imagine Theatre - led by husband-and-wife team Steve and Sarah Boden and supported by an amazing team of professionals – have produced more than 275 professional pantomimes and multiple children’s theatre tours.
Their family friendly shows have won multiple awards and have been received by audiences of all ages with huge positivity and to great critical acclaim. Over the last few years, Imagine Theatre have received almost forty nominations from the UK Pantomime Association Awards, winning nine, including awards for the Best Set and Best Pantomime over 900 seats.
Part of the Trafalgar Entertainment group of companies, each year Imagine Theatre facilitate productions in more than 50 venues across the UK. This year, Imagine Theatre are producing, co-producing or working in association with pantomimes in Bromley, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Coventry, Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Halifax, Hertford, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Leamington Spa, Llandudno, Leicester, Reading, Stafford, Swansea and Swindon.
Spring 2026 also saw the continuation of the hugely popular UK tour of Justin Live - Justin Time To Rock, alongside Scrumptious House Productions, starring CBeebies Megastar Justin Fletcher. They will also be involved with producing an exciting new musical, Hen Night Horror, which debuted in 2024 in Scotland to critical acclaim and returns to Scottish theatres this Autumn.
Spring 2027 will see them touring the incomparable La Voix who will be visiting 35 theatres across the UK in her biggest and boldest show to date – La Voix Live and which will also include a date at the London Palladium.
Proud to be a Carbon Neutral company, Imagine Theatre operate from a purpose-built facility in Coventry which houses their head offices and a large scenic, costume and props store, as well as their costume and props workshops. Following substantial growth over the past couple of years, 2025 saw an exciting move to new larger premises in Coventry, Trafalgar House, also saw them create a Midlands hub for the Trafalgar Entertainment Group.
Imagine also provides a range of services from the hire of individual costumes, pantomime scripts, special effects or theatrical sets through to the staging of entire productions.
Over 500 actors, technicians, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians and stage management work for Imagine during the Christmas period using their skills to create the very best productions possible.
Whilst being cheerleaders of the wonderful traditional elements that make up a great panto, over the past few years Imagine have also worked with their creative teams to develop a new innovative and immersive pantomime experience which uses spectacular animated scenery and transports audiences into the world of the production, described by many critics and audience members as ‘Incredible’ and ‘Mesmerising’.
For further information check out their website at www.imaginetheatre.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, X or Instagram.
A full overview of Imagine Theatre’s 2026/2027 pantos.
Read MoreTrafalgar Entertainment (TE) – the international live entertainment business founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire – has announced details of an exciting new partnership with Imagine Theatre – one of the UK’s biggest pantomime providers.
Read More2020, the year we’d all like to forget
…..However, Venue Cymru has just secured the ultimate news for 2021. The return of their Pantomime, Aladdin with their Panto hero John Evans.
John will return for the eleventh time to the Venue Cymru stage in the role of Wishee Washee in December 2021. John Evans first appeared in the Llandudno pantomime in 2006 and performed every year until 2016 before performing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for three years.
He should have been back in Llandudno in 2020 however, earlier this month Venue Cymru announced its temporary closure until Spring 2021. The building is utilised as Ysbyty’r Enfys by the Betsi Cadwaladr Health board. This meant the postponement of many shows, including the annual Pantomime.
Pantomime is such an important experience for so many people, and a family tradition each year for so many, for some it’s the first experience of theatre as a young child, and others it’s the memories created of each festive period.
Venue Cymru spokesperson said, “Our patrons spoke and we listened, it was an overriding roar of ‘Bring back John Evans!!’ and, with the help of Imagine Theatre Ltd we’re proud that John will be treading our boards for the next few Christmas’ - John has agreed to work with Venue Cymru and new co-producers Imagine Theatre Ltd on their Pantomime for the next three years.
Imagine Theatre is one of the UK’s leading Pantomime Producers and we’re thrilled to have them on board, their ethos for panto matches the direction we want to take our shows. Along with a brand new script, amazing sets, costumes, comedy and great music we’re proud to be creating a show that we know will resonate with, and create memories for the entire family”
John Evans - Wishee Washee
John Evans commented – “If I had Aladdin’s lamp, my first wish would definitely be to take a magic carpet ride straight to 2021! I have so many great memories of my 10 years in Llandudno, so when I was asked to come back for next years of production Aladdin I didn’t hesitate. I can promise you 2021’s panto will be jam packed full of action, adventure and big big laughs. I am so excited, I cannot wait to see you all!”
Managing Director of Imagine Theatre Steve Boden said “We are absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to work alongside the team at Venue Cymru to produce their annual family pantomime. Discussions are already underway, and we are going to make sure that pantomime bounces back after Covid even bigger and better than it was before. It is really important to us that we create a show that is unique and bespoke to the Llandudno audiences which is suitable for the entire family. Working alongside the theatre team and the wonderfully funny John Evans, we just know that the 2021 production of Aladdin will be worth the wait!”
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“We’re excited to take our annual Pantomime in a new direction, with a new co-producer and John on board we’re more excited than ever to get started, and to give you, our loyal patrons the theatre experience you deserve after such a trying year. Pantomime is such an iconic tradition for so many families and the experience keeps our industry alive, so for 2021 we’ll ensure its better than ever before” continued Venue Cymru
Those who had tickets booked for Aladdin in 2020 will have the chance to transfer their tickets to 2021 ahead of the general on sale. Further details will be popping into the inboxes of ticket holders’ very soon so keep your eyes open for that.
Bookings for Aladdin 2021 will reopen early this December
The show will run from Saturday 12th December 2021 – 3rd January 2022.
Venue Cymru cannot wait for Panto to return, and with our very own panto hero and stalwart John Evans. 2021 is looking up!
Box Office 01492 872 000 l venuecymru.co.uk
FTH Theatre, Falkirk are delighted to announce that some familiar faces will be joining television star Libby McArthur and singer Barbara Bryceland in Aladdin this festive season.
The brilliant Craig Glover will be returning to play larger than life dame Widow Twankey, with Scott Watson as her hilarious son Wishee Washee and Derek McGhie as the wicked Abanazar. Joining them are Emily Cochrane as Princess Jasmine and Henry Sanders as the Genie.
The production will once again be directed by Stuart Bird who says: “I am delighted to see many of our fantastic cast back at Falkirk again this Christmas! Last year’s first Imagine panto in Falkirk was a great success and the cast and company were just lovely to work with!
“From Aladdin this year audiences can expect plenty of local humour, coupled with great songs and spectacular special effects, costumes and set. Will the magic carpet fly? No spoilers...book your tickets and find out!”
Scott Watson played Dandini in last year’s production and is delighted to be taking on the role of the comical Wishee Washee this season.
“Stepping into the comic role is something I’ve always wanted to do. Since I was wee boy going to the pantos in Glasgow and sitting in the audience and seeing the joy the comic character brought to everyone’s face was something I could only dream about doing myself. It was Gerard Kelly at the time when I was wee, and he is a Scottish panto legend so if I can bring as much joy and happiness as he did then it’s job well done.”
Craig Glover played one of the Ugly Sisters in last year’s show and is delighted to be playing Dame once more. “As the dame, you have a license to do and say things that other characters can't. It can make for an exciting job, especially because no two audiences are the same.”
“Last year we were so lucky to have excellent audiences for Cinderella. Nothing beats a lively audience who are up for a laugh. You can sense it the second you step onto stage and you know they are with you every step of the way. It’s a remarkable thing, especially in this current era of constant mental stimulation with social media, VR and CGI that a good solid panto can keep an audience of all ages gripped for the entire journey. The beauty of FTH Theatre is that from the stage you can see every single audience member and feel like you could literally reach out and shake their hand. You know you’re doing a good job when you look out to see someone removing their glasses to wipe the tears from their eyes because they’ve been laughing so much.”
“I am delighted to be reunited with some cast members from last year. My ’sister’ Derek returns this year as the baddie - we got to share a dressing room so we had plenty of laughs and fun times, which I know will continue this year. Derek is an incredible panto baddie, so I know the folks of Falkirk are in for a treat. I’m over the moon to have Scott Watson as my daft son, Wishee Washee. Scott and I have known each other for a long time and finally got to work together last year. Having a strong comic-dame partnership is essential for a good panto and I know that Scott and I will be able to transfer our friendship to the stage. I’m also buzzing to get to work with my pal Babs, who returns this year after her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother last year. We have ‘gigged’ together in the past as ’turns’ so it’s a delight to work with her in a full scale production. She is a sensational singer and the audiences absolutely love her. Finally, I’m most looking forward to working with the team at FTH - they’re like a big family. A sensational stage crew and friendly front of house staff. Falkirk is lucky to have a venue (and a panto) like this on their doorstep.”
Aladdin runs from Friday 6 – Tuesday 24 December 2019 so hurry and get your tickets before they fly out of the door!
De Montfort Hall are delighted to announce a truly magical line-up for their spectacular family pantomime Aladdin.
Local star and winner of the X Factor SAM BAILEY returns for her fourth year and will be playing So Shi. Joining her are Blue star ANTONY COSTA as the wicked magician Abanazar, Milkshake presenter NATHAN CONNOR as the Genie of the Lamp, Britain’s Got Talent finalist PAUL BURLING as Wishee Washee, magicians MATTHEW POMEROY and NATASHA LAMB as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, with BBC Radio Leicester’s MARTIN BALLARD as Widow Twankey.
Antony Costa rose to fame with Blue in 2001 when their debut single ‘All Rise’ reached number four in the UK singles charts, with the album of the same name reaching number one in the album charts.
No stranger to theatre Antony appeared in the West End in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, toured in Boogie Nights and he is currently touring the UK in the musical Rock of Ages as well as appearing in numerous pantomimes over the years. Antony was a contestant in the 2005 series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and has appeared in both Casualty and Holby City.
"I'm thrilled to be playing Abanazar in Aladdin at De Montfort Hall. The audiences have always been amazing in Leicester so I can't wait to have a great Christmas playing the baddie!"
Sam Bailey is hugely popular with DMH’s panto audience and at De Montfort Hall she has played Fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk, Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast and Shoo in Peter Pan, for which she won Best Supporting Female at The Great British Panto Awards, and is delighted to be returning for Aladdin.
“There’s just something about panto isn’t there? Families and friends, young and old all coming together for one afternoon, or evening, of comedy gold.”
“And, for me there is something extra special about panto at De Montfort Hall. I am very lucky that my career takes me all over the world, but nothing quite beats performing in your hometown which is why I am delighted to be taking to the stage at De Montfort Hall once again. The venue is magical at Christmas and performing in front of fellow Leicestershire people is one of my most favourite parts.”
Nathan is a familiar face to children across the country as he has been a presenter on Milkshake since 2017.
“I cannot wait for panto to start and I am most looking forward to showing my body popping moves as the Genie. I’ve always loved Aladdin and to get the chance to play the Genie is amazing! The Genie is funny, energetic and quite cool so I can’t wait to dive in and perform at De Montfort Hall this year. Bring it on Leicester!”
Another familiar face from television is Paul Burling who rose to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the final with his hilarious impressions of numerous famous people and cartoon characters. Due to his huge popularity ITV gave Paul his own one hour special show called It’s Paul Burling! Alongside his television appearances and live shows he is a veteran pantomime performing, having appeared in nearly 30 pantomimes all over the UK.
De Montfort Hall are delighted to be able to bring some extra magic to the panto stage this Christmas with professional magicians Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb. The duo have performed all over the world and, as well as being magicians, both Matthew and Natasha have trained in performing arts and are looking forward to combining these talents in Aladdin this festive season.
Of course, panto just wouldn’t be panto without a dame, and who better to take on the role of Widow Twankey than the fabulous BBC Radio Leicester presenter Martin Ballard. Martin is a well-known and hugely popular figure across Leicestershire. As well as his radio presenting his voice will be familiar to Tiger’s fans as their matchday announcer. Martin has been performing in pantomime for nearly thirty years, and is delighted to be popping on a frock once more to play Dame at De Montfort Hall for the fifth consecutive year.
Antony Flint, De Montfort Hall general manager, said: “We are thrilled to have Sam and Martin back on board after proving themselves to be pantomime favourites. Antony, Nathan and Paul will further enhance this remarkable cast.
“Panto is now firmly in the festive calendar for our audiences – and this year will be bigger and better than ever.”
Aladdin runs from Saturday 14 December 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020.
FTH Theatre Falkirk are delighted to announce that television star Libby McArthur and singing sensation Barbara Bryceland will be starring in their magical family pantomime Aladdin this Christmas.
Libby, who will be playing the Empress, is a familiar face on Scottish television as she played Gina Hamilton in River City for eleven years as well as appearing in Taggart, Take the High Road, Hamish Macbeth and Rab C Nesbitt. She was also a founder member of the 80s pop group Sophisticated Boom Boom.
“I have appeared in two pantomimes prior to this, both times in Cinderella. I was at The Palace in Kilmarnock as the Wicked Step Mother and then later with Sally Howitt, who appeared in Cinderella here last year, as the Ugly Sisters. This will be my first time on stage at FTH Theatre and I am really looking forward to it.”
“I have memories of attending panto as a child with my school and being utterly engaged, enchanted, engrossed, encapsulated. Panto, like all good storytelling, is taking the risks for us, scaling the heights and plummeting to the depths that us ordinary mortals can only wish we could navigate, but with panto at least we are taken along for the ride!
“The thing I am really looking forward to about Aladdin more than anything else, is that most Scottish of traditions, the fourth wall collapsing, the banter when the weans chip in! Oh and just panto itself - Christmas, the whole pomp and ceremony and the agreement that we are all of us, just big weans!”
Barbara appeared on both The X-Factor and The Voice, and starred as Fairy Godmother in FTH Theatre’s first professional pantomime Cinderella last year and this year will be playing the magical Spirit of the Ring. She says “I absolutely loved appearing in panto last year as the cast and team were fantastic. It was my first pantomime and so was a great learning experience for me and I cannot wait to tackle a new role this year.”
Aladdin runs from Friday 6 – Tuesday 24 December 2019 so hurry and get your tickets before they fly out of the door!
To book tickets to please contact box office on 01324 506850 or visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org
The Palace Theatre in Newark are holding open auditions for children aged 9-16* to take part in their spectacular family panto Aladdin this Christmas. The Auditions are being held on Sunday 16 September and more information can be found on the venue page on our website*. - http://www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/pantomimes/2018-aladdin-newark
The Hexagon are delighted to announce that both children’s TV megastar Justin Fletcher and award-winning panto dame Paul Morse will be back in Reading this year for the magical family pantomime Aladdin.
Justin Fletcher is adored all over the country for his numerous children’s shows such as Justin’s House, Gigglebiz and Something Special, starring Mr Tumble. He received an MBE in 2008 and has won numerous BAFTA Awards.
This will be his seventh panto appearance at The Hexagon and his second as Wishee Washee.
Justin says "I love playing Wishee Washee because he's a friend of the audience. It's so wonderful to have that interaction with families and see them laughing and joining in with the show."
He is also pleased to be re-united with on-stage mum Paul Morse. "Paul and I have worked together for quite a few years now and he's a lovely guy. He is a very generous performer and the longer we work together the stronger the chemistry on stage."
As always Justin will have a very busy year before returning to panto-land with live appearances all over the country in both theatres and at festivals as well as filming another series of the BAFTA Award winning Gigglebiz.
Paul, who has appeared in five pantomimes at the venue, says: “It's lovely to come back to the Hexagon as the theatre staff are so welcoming and supportive and the audiences really do come along to join in and kick start their Christmases.
“One of the highlights of playing a dame is always the fabulous costumes and the costume department at Imagine know the more bling the better!
This will be Justin and Paul’s fourth year working together and Paul says of their partnership “We work very well together and having worked with each other so closely we have great in-sync rhythm and energy and just know what the other one is doing or going to do and the other can go along and support it in the moment. At the end of the day if Justin and I are having fun, the audience can feel that and it's infectious, before you know it even the most reluctant member of the family is joining in!”
Don’t miss your chance to see Justin Fletcher and Paul in the magical family pantomime Aladdin which runs from Saturday 8 December 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019. With last year’s Peter Pan proving a smash hit with audiences The Hexagon recommend booking tickets early.
For full details call the box office on 0118 9606060 or log on to www.readingarts.com
Imagine Theatre, Trafalgar House, 186 Torrington Avenue, Canley, Coventry, CV4 9AJ. T: +44 2476 307001
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