Coronation Street star James Cartwright, currently at the centre of one of the soap’s biggest and most talked-about storylines, will headline Bournemouth’s biggest and most loved pantomime this Christmas, starring as the wicked Abanazar in Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.
Known to millions of viewers as the menacing Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James has made a huge impact on the cobbles in a dramatic, headline-grabbing storyline that has kept soap fans gripped and sparked major national attention. Now, fresh from one of the most high-profile soap stories of the moment, he is set to bring that same commanding presence, intensity and star quality to the role of one of pantomime’s greatest villains.
James said:
“I can’t wait to be part of it. Bournemouth is such a beautiful place, and to be here over Christmas, performing for local families and visitors alike, feels really special. Pantomime has such a brilliant tradition, and I’m super excited to dive into that world.”
James joins the already announced Jamie Steen as the fabulous Widow Twankey and Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie, who returns for his incredible 12th year as Wishee Washee. With more casting to be announced, Aladdin is already shaping up to be the festive ticket families will not want to miss.
Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome James Cartwright to Aladdin at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre this festive season, where he’ll be casting his spell as the wicked Abanazar alongside Noel Brodie and Jamie Steen. Known to many as the very dangerous Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James brings a commanding stage presence and a sharp edge to his performances – perfect for a larger-than-life villain. Audiences can expect plenty of magic, mischief and deliciously dastardly moments, after all, when you’ve made your mark on The Cobbles, you know exactly how to set the stage for a truly spellbinding turn as our panto baddie!”
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, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said:
“This is another fantastic casting announcement for the Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime – the ultimate soap villain as an iconic evil panto baddie, get ready to bring your biggest boooos!”
With James Cartwright bringing serious Coronation Street star power, Noel Brodie returning by overwhelming popular demand, Jamie Steen set to storm the stage as a gloriously outrageous Widow Twankey, demand for tickets is expected to be strong.
Don’t leave it to a lamp, a genie or the organiser in the family saying, “we’ll sort it nearer the time.” Book now and make Aladdin the Christmas experience your family will be talking about long after the last “oh yes it is!” has echoed around the Pavilion.
Running from Saturday, 5 December 2026 to Sunday, 3 January 2027, Aladdin promises a Christmas experience packed with magic, mischief, music, laughter and all the larger-than-life spectacle audiences expect from the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre pantomime, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
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.
-ENDS-
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 bournemouthpavilion.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/