Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions have cracked open their rehearsal room doors — and trust me, lovelies, your girl Grace has been peeking through the keyhole like a nosy neighbour at bin-time — revealing first-look images for this year’s magical panto Aladdin, landing at the Lyceum Theatre from Friday 5 December to Sunday 4 January.
And oh, the cast. THE CAST. You could power the Lyceum for a week on this much star wattage.
Strictly’s own Kevin Clifton is shimmying into the role of Ivan Tochacha (I nearly tripped over my own fan mail when I saw the photos). CBeebies sweetheart Evie Pickerill is glowing brighter than the ring she’s guarding as the Spirit of the Ring. And yes — calm yourselves — Damian Williams is back for his eighteenth glorious year as Dame Dolly, Sheffield’s unofficial Queen of Christmas and patron saint of “you had to be there” stage gags.
We’ve also got Sario Solomon hopping aboard the magic carpet as Aladdin, Joey Wilby as Charlie, Elliot Broadfoot as a Genie with enough energy to power Meadowhall, George Akid keeping order as PC World, and Lauren Chia radiating princess-level elegance as Jasmine. Add in a cracking ensemble (Thandie Nsingo, Eleanor Rose Jackson, Charlotte Ross Gower, Max Sanderson, Onuri Smith and Lucas Wells), and you’ve basically got a panto Avengers Assemble.
The mischief-maker-in-chief Paul Hendy returns to write and direct — the same clever clogs responsible for last year’s Snow White, which only went and snagged Best Pantomime 2024 at the UK Pantomime Awards. Evolution Productions are back too, sprinkling their signature sparkle like it’s going out of style.
And listen — if you know the Lyceum Panto, you already know the drill: dazzling costumes, sets so lavish they make your living room look embarrassed, music you’ll hum on the bus, and more laugh-out-loud silliness than I can realistically smuggle in my satchel.
Aladdin runs from Friday 5 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026 at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield. Tickets are flying out faster than a Genie on a tea break, so grab yours via the Box Office (in person or by phone at 0114 249 6000) or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
Kim Hoffmann, Director of Creative Engagement, said:
“This funding will help us welcome young people to Newcastle Theatre Royal who might never have had the chance otherwise. The Showtime Shuttle removes the transport cost barrier, which we know still exists even when tickets are heavily subsidised or free. Just one visit can spark something magic that shapes a young person’s future and helps them feel that theatre, and Newcastle Theatre Royal, belongs to them.”
Donations can be made via debit or credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or BACS through the Big Give link on the Newcastle Theatre Royal website, or directly on the Big Give campaign page from Tuesday 2 to Tuesday 9 December 2025.
Match funded by Friends of Newcastle Theatre Royal, Reed Foundation and Northern Gas and Power.
