One of soap’s most talked-about stars joins Jamie Steen and Noel Brodie for a magical festive spectacular at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Coronation Street star James Cartwright, currently at the centre of one of the soap’s biggest and most talked-about storylines, will headline Bournemouth’s biggest and most loved pantomime this Christmas, starring as the wicked Abanazar in Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.

Known to millions of viewers as the menacing Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James has made a huge impact on the cobbles in a dramatic, headline-grabbing storyline that has kept soap fans gripped and sparked major national attention. Now, fresh from one of the most high-profile soap stories of the moment, he is set to bring that same commanding presence, intensity and star quality to the role of one of pantomime’s greatest villains.

James joins the already announced Jamie Steen as the fabulous Widow Twankey and Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie, who returns for his incredible 12th year as Wishee Washee. With even more star casting still to be announced, Aladdin is already shaping up to be the festive ticket families will not want to miss.

Running from Saturday, 5 December 2026 to Sunday, 3 January 2027, Aladdin promises a Christmas experience packed with magic, mischief, music, laughter and all the larger-than-life spectacle audiences expect from the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre pantomime.

For generations of families, panto is the moment Christmas truly begins. It is the roar of children shouting “he’s behind you”, the shared laughter between parents and grandparents, the thrill of bringing your very best boos for Abanazar, the sparkle of the costumes, the glow of the stage lights and that unmistakable feeling of walking out into the winter night smiling from ear to ear.

Whether it is a much-loved annual tradition or a family’s very first pantomime, Aladdin will offer audiences the chance to step out of the everyday and into a world of colour, comedy and festive wonder. It is a show designed to be felt as much as watched - full of big laughs, big surprises and magical moments that stay with families long after the final curtain falls.

James Cartwright said:

“I can’t wait to be part of it. Bournemouth is such a beautiful place, and to be here over Christmas, performing for local families and visitors alike, feels really special. Pantomime has such a brilliant tradition, and I’m super excited to dive into that world.”

Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome James Cartwright to Aladdin at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre this festive season, where he’ll be casting his spell as the wicked Abanazar alongside Noel Brodie and Jamie Steen. Known to many as the very dangerous Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James brings a commanding stage presence and a sharp edge to his performances - perfect for a larger-than-life villain. Audiences can expect plenty of magic, mischief and deliciously dastardly moments, after all, when you’ve made your mark on The Cobbles, you know exactly how to set the stage for a truly spellbinding turn as our panto baddie!”

This year’s production will combine the heart and hilarity of traditional pantomime with the scale and sparkle of a major festive spectacular. Audiences can expect sensational costumes, dazzling lighting, spectacular scenery, high-energy comedy, brilliant musical numbers and a cast ready to deliver a Christmas show bursting with warmth, excitement and family fun.

With James Cartwright bringing serious Coronation Street star power, Noel Brodie returning by overwhelming popular demand, Jamie Steen set to storm the stage as a gloriously outrageous Widow Twankey, demand for tickets is expected to be strong.

For the thousands of families who make Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre’s pantomime part of their Christmas every year, this is the moment to come back, claim those favourite seats and be part of the magic once again. For those who have not yet experienced it, Aladdin is the perfect invitation to discover why this pantomime means so much to so many, a joyful festive tradition where generations come together, memories are made, and the South Coast celebrates Christmas in true spectacular style.

From the first burst of music to the final wave goodbye, Aladdin will be a magic carpet ride of laughter, spectacle and festive joy - the kind of Christmas outing families talk about all the way home and remember for years to come.

Don’t leave it to a lamp, a genie or the organiser in the family saying, “we’ll sort it nearer the time.” Book now and make Aladdin the Christmas experience your family will be talking about long after the last “oh yes it is!” has echoed around the Pavilion.

Aladdin runs at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with tickets from £18.