Bournemouth Pavilion and UK Productions are delighted to announce that rising star Dante Nardone will take on the title role in this year's spectacular festive pantomime, Aladdin.

Running from Saturday 5 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027, Aladdin promises audiences a magical carpet ride filled with laughter, dazzling costumes, spectacular special effects, sensational musical numbers and plenty of family fun.

A graduate of the prestigious Arts Educational School (ArtsEd), Dante is an exciting young performer whose recent theatre credits include Lucien in Amélie, and Dick in 9 to 5: The Musical, both at ArtsEd. His screen credits include the short film Always Towards the Ocean and the BBC Two documentary Southbank at 75: You Are Here.

Taking centre stage as Aladdin, Dante will lead audiences on an unforgettable adventure packed with comedy, romance, music and magic. Charming, courageous and full of ambition, Aladdin is one of pantomime's most beloved heroes, and Dante is set to bring fresh energy and charisma to the role.

Dante said:

"I’m buzzing to be playing Aladdin this Christmas in Bournemouth! I can’t wait to bring a bit of magic, adventure and mischief to the stage and, most importantly, have lots of fun with the audience! Panto is such a brilliant part of Christmas, and I’m really excited to be part of it this year!”

Produced by UK Productions Ltd., the acclaimed team behind some of the UK's most successful pantomimes, Aladdin will feature stunning scenery, colourful characters, eye-catching costumes and plenty of audience participation, making it the perfect festive treat for all ages.

Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:

“We are delighted Dante Nardone will be making his professional pantomime debut this year, stepping into the role of Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion. Dante has all the charisma, cheeky charm and stage presence needed for our loveable hero, and I know he will bring something really special to the role. Audiences can expect a magical adventure packed with laughter, romance and plenty of surprises!”

Bournemouth Pavilion, operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council, continues to sit at the heart of the town's cultural life, and nowhere is that more evident than at Christmas, when the theatre becomes a place of celebration, laughter and festive entertainment for audiences of all ages, where memories are made year after year.

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

"It’s fantastic to have Dante make his professional theatre debut here in Bournemouth taking on the title role of Aladdin. He is a hugely promising young performer, and we're excited to see him tread the boards of our wonderful theatre. This year's pantomime is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for families across the region – we can’t wait to welcome you all!"

Dante's casting marks an exciting milestone in his career as he makes the transition from drama school training to professional performance. Audiences can look forward to seeing an exceptional new talent take centre stage in one of pantomime's most cherished roles.

Dante joins the previously announced cast of Coronation Street villain James Cartwright as the wicked Abanazar; Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie as Wishee Washee, back for his twelfth year; panto legend Jamie Steen starring as the wonderfully outrageous Widow Twankey; and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kristel Herrera as Princess Jasmine, ready to wow Bournemouth audiences with her stunning voice.

With excitement building ahead of opening night, audiences are encouraged to book early to secure the best seats for what promises to be one of Bournemouth's biggest festive events.

Aladdin runs at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. For tickets and information, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk / schools@bhlive.org.uk

-ENDS-

For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk

Notes to Editors

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.
• 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: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk / schools@bhlive.org.uk

More information about Bournemouth Pavilion can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk. More information about UK Productions Ltd can be found online at ukproductions.co.uk.