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 at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
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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
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.
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For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, BH Live. It has been established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, and dance. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
A dedicated archive team made up of volunteers work year-round to preserve the venue’s heritage and cultural history. For more information, including how to donate, get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.
Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West, and the Pavilion at AUB, a rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- See what’s on and buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About UK Productions:
Established in 1995, UK Productions is responsible for over 200 musical and drama productions nationally, internationally, in the West End and on Broadway.
Producing credits include The Beekeeper of Aleppo, The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde – the Musical, 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Singin’ in the Rain, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jekyll & Hyde – the Musical, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Murdered to Death, Anything Goes, The Pirates of Penzance, and Barnum.
They are also renowned pantomime producers and have productions the length and breadth of the country. During Christmas 2026/27 they will have 11 productions in number 1 theatres.
The company operate a busy set and costume production and hire business, supplying musicals, plays and pantomime sets, props and costumes to commercial and amateur producers nationally and internationally – www.ukproductions.co.uk/