The adventure of Aladdin, the joy of a good giggle and a Christmas memory to share; there’s so much to look forward to at Bournemouth Pavilion.

With two relaxed performances and a captioned performance, Bournemouth Pavilion and UK Productions are helping more people join the fun, with a warm welcome and practical support to make their visit to pantomime more comfortable this festive season.

Whether you’re introducing a little one to their first pantomime, planning an outing with someone you support or gathering the family for a much-loved tradition, the team wants you to feel welcome, understood and excited for the adventure ahead.

Running from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, this magical Christmas treat stars Coronation Street’s James Cartwright as Abanazar, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kristel Herrera as Princess Jasmine, Noel Brodie as Wishee Washee, Jamie Steen as Widow Twankey, Bree Smith as Spirit of the Ring and Dante Nardone as Aladdin.

Together, the cast will bring Aladdin’s adventure to life, with panto mischief, much-loved characters and Christmas spirit at its heart - a chance for families and friends to share the fun in their own way.

Relaxed performances: a more chilled way to enjoy the magic

On Tuesday 15 December at 10.30am and Wednesday 30 December at 2.30pm, audiences can enjoy the same story, cast and panto fun in a more flexible environment.

House lights remain on, sound levels are reduced, and some lighting and special effects are adapted or removed. There is no expectation to sit quietly throughout: audiences can respond in their own way, move around, and leave and return whenever needed. Quieter spaces are available for a break.

People of all ages are welcome. These performances may particularly suit people who find a traditional theatre environment overwhelming (including some people with autism, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities, dementia or anxiety), as well as anyone who prefers a more relaxed atmosphere.

They can also be a lovely introduction for younger children visiting the theatre for the first time. A dark auditorium, sudden bangs or flashing lights can feel overwhelming; these adjustments give families a gentler way to discover pantomime together. There will still be music, sound and effects, so the venue’s online relaxed performance guide can help visitors decide whether it suits their needs.

Captioned performance: following the story together

On Monday 21 December at 2.30pm, live text on screens beside the stage will display dialogue, song lyrics and sound information. Captions can help D/deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing audience members follow the performance, alongside anyone else who finds written text helpful.

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

The introduction of relaxed and captioned performances forms part of the charity’s ongoing commitment to making live entertainment even more accessible and inclusive for all.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said:

"Pantomime is all about bringing people together to share unforgettable moments of fun, laughter and festive magic. Our relaxed and captioned performances help ensure that even more people can enjoy everything that makes a trip to the theatre so special.

"We're committed to making our venues welcoming and accessible for everyone, and we're delighted to offer these performances as part of this year's spectacular production of Aladdin."

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:

“For many families, a trip to the pantomime is part of Christmas. But we know that, for others, even booking can bring questions: will my child feel comfortable? What if we need to step outside? Will we be able to follow the story and join in?

“We want to help take some of that worry away. At our relaxed performances, you and the people you come with are welcome to make noise, move around or take a break and return. At our captioned performance, written text helps you follow the story and catch the jokes. Knowing what to expect before you arrive can make such a difference to enjoying that time together.

“That matters to me. We put so much love into making these shows, and we want more people to have the chance to enjoy them with the people they love. My hope is that someone who has felt unsure about coming will read this and think, ‘Perhaps we could give it a go.’ We’d all be so pleased to welcome you.”

Packed with dazzling costumes, sensational songs, side-splitting comedy and plenty of audience participation, Aladdin promises a magical adventure for the whole family this Christmas.

If you’re thinking, “Would this work for us?”, the team at Bournemouth Pavilion welcomes your questions. Families, carers, schools, local disability organisations and community groups across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and beyond can discuss what would help and find out more before booking. There’s no single way to enjoy pantomime, and taking a break or responding differently is part of the welcome at the relaxed performances.

Read the Pavilion’s What to expect at a relaxed panto performance guide, or discuss access requirements with the team at [email protected] or 0300 500 0595.

Tickets for the relaxed performance are £25, plus a £3 transaction fee. For school and community group visits, contact [email protected]. Performance information and tickets are available at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

For tickets and more information about Bournemouth Pavilion, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

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