TV star James Mackenzie storms Wirral panto as Aladdin’s villain – Christmas just got Spectacular!

Children’s television favourite James Mackenzie will bring a surge of festive magic, mischief and gloriously larger-than-life villainy to the Floral Pavilion this Christmas, as he is confirmed to star as the wicked sorcerer Abanazar in Aladdin – a casting that doesn’t just announce a show headliner, but signals the arrival of the Christmas season in all its sparkling, joy-filled glory.

For audiences who treasure the unmistakable feeling of stepping into the Floral Pavilion – lights dimming, music swelling, anticipation building – this announcement sets the tone for something truly special. Mackenzie’s arrival promises the kind of performance that pantomime lovers relish: bold, playful, deliciously wicked and utterly irresistible, inviting audiences of all ages to lose themselves in the story, shout back at the stage and revel in that shared, electric sense of fun.

It is the kind of casting that reminds you why pantomime remains such a beloved Christmas tradition – where families gather year after year, where laughter is loud, reactions are bigger, and where the magic feels just a little more real. With Mackenzie at the heart of the adventure, Aladdin is already shaping up to be a bigger, brighter and more joyfully unforgettable festive experience than ever before – one that audiences won’t just watch but feel part of from the very first moment.

Best known to millions as the commanding and enigmatic host of the multi-BAFTA award-winning CBBC series Raven, Mackenzie has long held a unique connection with family audiences, combining authority, humour and a knowing theatrical edge. More recently, he has captured the hearts of younger viewers through CBeebies’ Molly and Mack, and now steps into one of pantomime’s most iconic roles – a villain audiences will love to boo, laugh at and delight in, night after night.

Mackenzie, said of his casting: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to the role of Abanazar and can’t wait to make the Floral Pavilion my home for the festive season. I hope the people of Wirral and beyond are ready to boo loudly as I get up to all sorts of mischief – especially opposite the brilliant Sean Jones. Let the challenge begin!”

With an extensive stage career alongside his television success, including performances with the National Theatre of Scotland in productions ranging from Macbeth to Sunshine on Leith: The Musical, Mackenzie brings a richness and confidence to the role that promises something truly special – an Abanazar who is not only menacing and mischievous, but irresistibly entertaining.

Pauline Campbell, Venue Manager at the Floral Pavilion, said: “Every great pantomime needs a truly magnificent villain, and James brings just the right mix of menace and mystery to Abanazar. With James at the heart of the action as Aladdin’s most devious foe, audiences are in for a real treat this Christmas.”

For many, pantomime is the beating heart of Christmas – a chance to gather together, escape the winter chill and step into a world where anything feels possible. This year’s Aladdin promises exactly that: a vibrant, feel-good theatrical experience where families can share in laughter, wonder and that unmistakable sense of festive togetherness, from the first burst of music to the final, glittering curtain call. Expect dazzling costumes, magical transformations, soaring songs and the joyous, interactive spirit that turns every performance into a shared celebration.

Co-produced by the acclaimed UK Productions Ltd, whose spectacular pantomimes are celebrated across the UK, Aladdin is set to be a true Christmas event – one that families will not want to miss. Blending the magic of a timeless story with breathtaking staging, contemporary flair, and heartwarming humour, this production is designed to sweep audiences up in the moment. From the second the lights go down, expect a dazzling, high-energy experience filled with colour, music and unforgettable surprises – where children will sit wide-eyed in wonder and adults will find themselves laughing, cheering and rediscovering that unmistakable feeling of Christmas magic. This is more than a night at the theatre; it is a shared festive experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Martin Dodd, Producer for UK Productions Ltd, added: “Aladdin really is the ultimate pantomime adventure, and bringing James Mackenzie in as Abanazar gives the whole show such a brilliant energy. He just has that natural connection with family audiences – you’ll love booing him. We’re pulling out all the stops this year to make it our biggest and best yet, and if you came along last Christmas and had a great time, honestly… you haven’t seen anything yet. It’s packed with dazzling moments, big laughs and some real wow-factor surprises, and we can’t wait for audiences to come in, switch off from everything outside and just have a magical time together.”

With Sean Jones already confirmed to return for his seventh outing as the much-loved Wishee Washee, audiences can look forward to the return of a true panto favourite whose infectious energy, quick wit and natural warmth have made him a firm part of Christmas for so many families. His easy connection with audiences – especially younger theatregoers – brings a sense of familiarity and joy that sits right at the heart of the production, creating those spontaneous, laugh-out-loud moments people talk about long after the final curtain. Combined with the show’s spectacular scale, Aladdin is shaping up to deliver not just dazzling entertainment but also the all-important feeling of festive tradition, where generations come together to laugh, cheer, shout, and make shared memories that last long after the decorations are packed away.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Aladdin is shaping up to be one of those truly special productions that define the festive season – where the biggest laughs, the loudest cheers and the most magical moments are shared together. Whether you’re a regular panto-goer who knows every line or a family looking to start a brand-new Christmas tradition, this is your invitation to be part of something unforgettable. With demand expected to be high and the best seats selling out early, audiences are encouraged to book now to secure their place for a show that promises to be the highlight of Christmas.

Aladdin plays at Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Tickets are available here.