The countdown to Christmas is officially underway, as Bournemouth Pavilion welcomed the cast ahead of its spectacular 2026 pantomime, Aladdin.

Official pictures and video content has given audiences a first glimpse of this year's festive extravaganza, which opens at Bournemouth Pavilion on Saturday 5 December 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027.

The show stars Coronation Street’s James Cartwright as the villainous Abanazar, and panto favourites Noel Brodie and Jamie Steen as Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey. Joining them are Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kristel Herrera as Princess Jasmine, West End star Bree Smith as the enchanting Spirit of the Ring, and Dante Nardone, who takes centre stage in the title role of Aladdin.

With its thrilling story, spectacular special effects, magical moments, and memorable characters, Aladdin is set to continue Bournemouth Pavilion's proud pantomime tradition, welcoming thousands of families through its doors over the festive season.

Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.

On behalf of BH Live, Nicola Coney, Entertainment and Events Manager, said:

"We're delighted to have welcomed some of the cast to Bournemouth Pavilion so we can start sharing the excitement with our audiences. Seeing the cast come together for the first time has made the countdown to Christmas truly begin.

“Pantomime is a cherished festive tradition that brings generations together through laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. We're looking forward to welcoming audiences from across the region to experience another spectacular production this year."

Produced by UK Productions Ltd., the acclaimed team behind some of the UK's most successful pantomimes, Aladdin promises a magical festive adventure packed with dazzling costumes, stunning scenery, laugh-out-loud comedy, sensational choreography, and plenty of audience participation.

On behalf of UK Productions Ltd., Martin Dodd, Managing Director, said:

“There is something wonderful about seeing a family arrive at a pantomime, especially when it is someone’s first time. By the final curtain, they are cheering, laughing and joining in as though they have always been part of it. That is the feeling we want to give Bournemouth this Christmas.

“We have such an exciting, talented cast to make it happen - James is going to have enormous fun as Abanazar, Kristel and Bree will bring beautiful voices to the stage, and Morgan and Dante will be a terrific duo to lead the adventure. Noel and Jamie know how to make the whole Pavilion feel involved (whether you like it or not!). Around them, we are creating a show full of colour, stunning costumes, spectacular scenery, lighting, choreography and those moments of magic that make you wonder how on earth we did it.

“If you are choosing one show to see together this Christmas, make it Aladdin. Bring the children, bring the grandparents, bring someone who has never been to a panto before. We want you all to leave smiling, still talking about your favourite moments and already looking forward to coming back.”

From curtain-up to the final bow, Aladdin promises an exciting adventure, perfect for families, friends, and panto fans of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

This year’s booking highlights include:

• Performances from Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
• Accessible captioned performance on Monday 21 December 2026 – open to all
• A relaxed performance on Wednesday 30 December 2026, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience – view our online
  Relaxed Panto Performance Guide.
• Ice creams for school groups of 50+ plus a limited number of funded tickets for pupils on low income, thanks to the generosity of previous panto audiences (T&Cs apply).
• Group rates available (6+, 20+, 50+) (T&Cs apply).
• School and young people’s concessions for under 16s on selected performances (T&Cs apply) – Saturday 5 December (7pm), Sunday 6 December (3pm), Tuesday 8 December (10:30am), Wednesday 9 December (10:30am), Sunday 13 December (3pm), Monday 14 December (10:30am), Tuesday 15 December (10:30am), and Wednesday 16 December 2025.
• School performances available

For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: [email protected]

More information about Bournemouth Pavilion is online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

More information about UK Productions Ltd is online at ukproductions.co.uk.

View our Aladdin pantomime media pack at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/aladdin-asset-media-pack.