Bournemouth Pavilion and UK Productions are delighted to announce that acclaimed musical theatre performer Nathan Taylor will star as The Emperor in this year's spectacular festive pantomime, Aladdin, completing the star line-up.

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 familiar face to pantomime audiences across the UK, Nathan brings a wealth of theatrical experience and larger-than-life stage presence to the production. This marks his third appearance in Aladdin, having previously played a mischievous policeman at Northampton's Royal Theatre, and the villainous Abanazar at Carlisle's Sands Centre.

No stranger to festive favourites, Nathan has also delighted audiences as Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk in Dorking, Ghastly Gordon in Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal Wakefield, and the wonderfully eccentric Squire Purchase in Mother Goose at Cambridge Arts Theatre.

Most recently, Nathan appeared as Gus, the Theatre Cat, and Bustopher Jones in the international tour of Cats, performing to audiences across Europe. His extensive West End credits include Spamalot, Mary Poppins, Taboo, Les Misérables, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Rocky Horror Show, Martin Guerre, and Miss Saigon.

As The Emperor, Nathan will preside over the kingdom in suitably regal style, bringing warmth, humour and a touch of sparkle to the role as audiences join Aladdin on his magical adventure.

Nathan said:

"Hello everyone! I’m SO excited to be coming to Bournemouth with Aladdin this year. I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas by the sea and getting to perform at the GORGEOUS Bournemouth Pavilion. The show is going to be utterly spectacular, and we’re going to have so much fun. I really can’t wait to meet you all. See you there!"

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 UKProductions said:

“The Emperor is a wonderfully colourful role, with plenty of scope for mischief and we are delighted that Nathan Taylor will be joining the company of Aladdin in Bournemouth this Christmas. Nathan is sure to bring his own personality and comic flair to the role, adding another fantastic ingredient to what promises to be our most spectacular pantomime to date!”

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:

"Nathan’s experience, energy and comedic flair make him a fantastic addition to this year's production, and we're certain audiences will love seeing him bring The Emperor to life!"

In addition to his successful stage career, Nathan co-created and starred in the Channel 4 documentary musical Our Gay Wedding: The Musical, which received a BAFTA nomination and won multiple industry awards.

Nathan 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; Britain’s Got Talent semi finalist Kristel Herrera as Princess Jasmine, ready to wow Bournemouth audiences with her stunning voice; West End star Bree Smith as the Spirit of the Ring, Dante Norde making his professional theatre debut as Aladdin and West End actor Morgan Jackson as the Genie of the Lamp.

With a stellar cast, spectacular production values and plenty of festive magic in store, Aladdin is set to be one of Bournemouth's biggest Christmas treats. Theatre-goers are encouraged to book now to secure their tickets.

Aladdin plays at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk for tickets and further details.

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