NEWS: ALADDIN CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF PANTOMIME AT RHYL PAVILION THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre is preparing for a particularly special Christmas as its 2026 production of Aladdin marks 35 years of pantomime at the North Wales venue. Presented by Anton Benson Productions, the family pantomime runs from Saturday 5 December to Thursday 31 December 2026.

The cast includes Eternal singer and Loose Women panellist Kelle Bryan, award-winning Coronation Street actor Peter Ash, Britain's Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler with her miniature poodle Tapas, and returning Rhyl favourites Amanda Henderson and Dan Whitley.

Celebrating 35 Years of Pantomime at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

The current Rhyl Pavilion Theatre opened in 1991, with Dick Whittington starring Roy Walker and Cordelia Frances as its first Christmas pantomime. Since then, generations of families have enjoyed festive productions ranging from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to Peter Pan and Mother Goose.

Past performers have included Ruth Madoc, Rhydian, Su Pollard, Sonia, John Thomson, Wendy Craig and many more. This year's Aladdin is the seventh production of the title at the venue and continues its long tradition of Christmas family entertainment.

The Story of Aladdin

Aladdin dreams of leaving behind his days working in Widow Twankey's laundry and winning the heart of Princess Jasmine. When the mysterious Abanazer promises him untold riches in exchange for retrieving an old lamp, Aladdin's fortunes seem set to change. But the magical lamp holds surprises of its own.

The production promises traditional pantomime comedy, spectacular effects, colourful costumes and plenty of festive entertainment.

Aladdin Rhyl Pavilion Theatre: Meet the Cast

Kelle Bryan stars as the Spirit of the Ring. She rose to fame with the multi-platinum-selling group Eternal, is a familiar face on ITV's Loose Women and previously played Martine Devereux in Hollyoaks.

Peter Ash takes on the villainous role of Abanazer. Best known for playing Paul Foreman in Coronation Street, he has won two National Television Awards, including Serial Drama Performance in 2024. His stage credits include War Horse and Peter James's Picture of You.

Ashleigh Butler appears as the Empress alongside her miniature poodle Tapas. She won Britain's Got Talent in 2012 with her dog Pudsey and brings her canine performance skills to this year's pantomime.

Amanda Henderson returns as Mrs Twankey. Known for playing nurse Robyn Miller in Casualty, she is a Rhyl pantomime favourite and won a UK Panto Award for Best Mythical Being for Jack and the Beanstalk in 2023.

Dan Whitley returns as Wally after last year's pantomime. The actor, singer and presenter has appeared in around 20 pantomimes and also runs family entertainment productions through Dantastic Productions.

Alex Aram plays Aladdin, having previously taken on the title role at St Helens Theatre Royal and Theatre Royal Bath. Indiya Paine plays Princess Jasmine, following her professional pantomime debut in Aladdin last Christmas and her appearance in Something Rotten! at Manchester Opera House.

A Special Anniversary Production

Anton Benson Productions is presenting Rhyl Pavilion Theatre's Christmas pantomime for the fifth consecutive year, having previously brought Easter pantomimes to the venue. Producer Anton Benson praised the cast and creative team preparing this year's festive show.

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd managing director Jamie Groves also reflected on the theatre's 35-year history and the importance of families returning across generations to share the experience of live pantomime.

Aladdin Dates and Tickets

Aladdin runs from Saturday 5 December to Thursday 31 December 2026 at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, East Parade, Rhyl LL18 3AQ. Performances take place at various times and tickets start from £26, with family, group, youth, school and concession tickets also available.

For the full performance schedule and booking information, visit https://rhylpavilion.co.uk/.

Press night: Saturday 5 December 2026 at 6pm.