Bournemouth’s festive season is set to burst into life with laughter, spectacle and unapologetic pantomime magic, as much-loved panto star Jamie Steen is confirmed to return to the Bournemouth Pavilion as Widow Twankey in this year’s Aladdin - a casting that promises a whirlwind of comedy, chaos and gloriously over-the-top festive fun, wrapped up in that unmistakable feeling of Christmas excitement.

This is more than just a return - it is the arrival of a performer audiences know, trust and genuinely love, stepping back onto a stage that has become synonymous with shared laughter, sparkling anticipation and the kind of festive joy that brings generations together. It’s that feeling of settling into your seat as the lights dim, laughter building and rippling through the auditorium, and those little moments you instinctively turn to share with the person beside you - all coming together to create a warm, unmistakable glow that stays with you long after the final bow.

Following the resounding success of last year’s hit production, Cinderella, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable adventure as Aladdin flies into town from Saturday, 5 December to Sunday, 3 January 2027. From the moment the curtain rises, expect to be swept up in a full-throttle festive explosion of jaw-dropping costumes, knock-out sets and panto magic dialled up to dazzling – the kind of experience that fills the auditorium with laughter, cheers and that unmistakable Christmas buzz you can feel from your seat to the stage.

A pantomime legend in his own right, Jamie Steen brings over 30 years of theatrical experience to the stage, having played almost every role imaginable - from comic and dame to principal boy and ugly sister - in theatres across the country. His performances are defined by their warmth, quick wit and irresistible sense of fun, creating moments that don’t just raise a laugh, but leave audiences glowing long after they’ve left the theatre. His return to Bournemouth Pavilion is the return of a true festive favourite.

Jamie said: "Cooee Bournemouth!!! It's lovely to be coming back to the Bournemouth Pavilion alongside the wonderful Noel Brodie. I can’t wait to bring lots of fun, cheekiness and wonderful fashion (if you like it big and outrageous) as Widow Twankey in Aladdin. So, looking forward to seeing the fabulous audiences of Bournemouth. See you all soon my lovelies!”

Produced by UK Productions Ltd., the acclaimed team behind some of the UK’s most spectacular award-winning pantomimes, Aladdin invites audiences into a rich, colourful world

where magic, adventure and comedy collide. It’s a place where anything feels possible - where dreams take flight, villains are booed with gusto, and laughter rings out freely - brought vividly to life through dazzling staging, eye-catching costumes and the kind of larger-than-life performances that define the very best of British pantomime.

UK Productions Ltd. Producer, Martin Dodd said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming Jamie Steen back to Bournemouth Pavilion this Christmas as our fabulous Widow Twankey - he’s one of those rare performers who can light up the stage and have audiences laughing within seconds. There’s a real affection for him here, and you can feel that connection every time he performs. If you joined us last year and had a fantastic time, we’re taking everything up another level this Christmas - it’s bigger, brighter and packed with even more surprises, more laughs and those real ‘wow’ moments that make you turn to the person next to you and say, ‘this is brilliant’. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back and share that magic together.”

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 shared tradition for audiences of all ages - a place where memories are made year after year.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said: “This is the first of a great line-up of panto cast members, there are more announcements to come over the following months - we can’t wait for another panto season to fly into Bournemouth Pavilion!”

With more casting still to be revealed, anticipation is only set to build in the months ahead, but one thing is already certain - Aladdin is shaping up to be a standout festive event, filled with the kind of energy, humour and heart that keeps audiences coming back year after year, and welcoming new audiences into the magic for the very first time.

As Christmas draws closer, this is the moment to secure your place. Whether you’re returning for another year of laughter or planning your very first panto trip, Aladdin promises an experience that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls - the kind of night where you leave smiling, still humming the songs, and already looking forward to next year - so book early, gather your friends and family, and get ready to be part of something truly magical.

Aladdin runs at Bournemouth Pavilion from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with tickets on sale now!

This year’s panto highlights include:

• Performances from Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
• A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region, including singers and dancers.
• 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 when booking 6+, 20+, 50+ tickets, T&Cs apply.
  • School and young people’s concessions for under 16s on selected performances (T&Cs apply) - Sat 5 (7pm), Sun 6 (3pm), Sun 13 Dec (3pm) & Sat 2 Jan (7pm) Tue 8, Wed 9, Mon 14, Tue 15 & Wed 16 Dec (10:30am only) For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk / schools@bhlive.org.uk