Looking for the ultimate family pantomime? Your wish is granted!

The enchanting tale of a boy, a magical lamp, and a genie is back to cast its spell on the Mansfield Palace Theatre stage this December 2024.

Leading the cast this Christmas is James Mackenzie as the villainous Abanazar. James is best known for his role as Raven in the BAFTA-winning CBBC series of the same name. More recently, he’s captured the hearts of a younger audience in the hit CBeebies show Molly and Mack. James shares his excitement:

“I’m thrilled to be performing at Mansfield Palace Theatre in this year’s production of Aladdin. Oh yes, I am! I can’t wait to stir up some trouble alongside Mansfield’s beloved comedian, Adam Moss. Let the fun begin!”

James has graced stages across the UK with companies like The National Theatre of Scotland, appearing in productions from *Macbeth* to *Sunshine On Leith the Musical*. His TV credits include regular roles in *River City*, guest spots in *Still Game* and *Outlander*, and like many Scottish actors, appearances in *Taggart*—more than once!

Taking on the role of Widow Twankey is panto favorite Ben Harlow, who tells us:

“After a fantastic run last Christmas as Widow Twankey in Blackpool, I’m delighted to bring the role to Mansfield this year.”

Outside of panto, you might recognize Ben as the UPS Guy from the UK and Ireland tour of *Legally Blonde*, Sam Carmichael in *Mamma Mia*, or Gaston in the international tour of *Beauty and the Beast*.

We’re excited to see Ben’s flamboyant costumes and hilarious one-liners, especially alongside Mansfield’s comedy staple Adam Moss, returning as Wishee Washee. Adam has been a festive fixture at the Palace Theatre for a decade, but this will be his first time in *Aladdin*, which he says is his favorite panto. Adam adds:

“I can’t wait to be back for this year’s panto. After 11 years, I might even learn the script! We’ve got a fantastic cast this year, and wait till you meet my mum – what a stunner! See you soon, gang!”

We’re excited to welcome the rest of the cast, including Paolo Micallef as Aladdin. Paolo is a graduate of Momentum Performing Arts Academy, holding a first-class honours degree in Performing Arts from West London University. Fresh off his lead role aboard the AIDA Cosma, Paolo has also shone in productions such as *Oklahoma!*, *Sweet Charity*, and *Into the Woods*.

Joining Paolo is Mairi Ikegami as Princess Jasmine. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Mairi’s recent credits include *Your Lie in April* at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre and *Woven: A New Musical* at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Shannon Farrell will return to pantomime in the role of Spirit of the Ring. Shannon, a graduate of PPAcademy, shared:

“I’m thrilled to be playing the Spirit of the Ring, still captivating Mansfield this Christmas.”

Shannon has previously appeared in productions like *Betty Blue Eyes* and *Sweeney Todd*, and she performed in *Aladdin* at the Marlowe Theatre.

Shahar Mizrahi steps into the role of Genie, bringing his love for theatre to the stage. A graduate of Bird College Conservatoire for Dance and Musical Theatre, Shahar’s credits include *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, *Bare the Musical*, and *Aladdin* at the Met Theatre in Manchester.

Rounding out the cast is Mark Peachey as the Emperor. Mark’s TV credits include roles in *Hollyoaks* and BBC’s *Books That Made Britain* and *Inside Out*. His extensive theatre credits feature performances in *The Wizard of Oz*, *Dear Evan Hansen*, *The Lion King*, and *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang*.

Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas experience with this stellar cast!