The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton is getting ready for a magical Christmas as its 2026 pantomime, Aladdin, welcomes two new cast members and releases fresh production images ahead of its festive run. Running from 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, the family pantomime promises spectacular staging, music, comedy and plenty of audience participation, bringing a classic festive adventure to the Wirral.
Joining the cast is West End performer John-Paul Birss as the Emperor, whose theatre credits include the 25th anniversary cast of MAMMA MIA! at London’s Novello Theatre. His screen appearances include Netflix’s House of Guinness, Peaky Blinders and the forthcoming DC Comics film Clayface.
Rosie Royle will also join the production as the Spirit of the Ring, marking her principal debut in the role. She has previously appeared in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 2021 and Beauty and the Beast at Blackpool Grand Theatre in 2025.
The pair join a star-studded cast led by CBBC star James Mackenzie as the wicked Abanazar and pantomime favourite Sean Jones, who returns to the Floral Pavilion for his seventh year as Wishee Washee. Completing the line-up are Blackpool-based performer and radio presenter Scott Gallagher, making his pantomime Dame debut as Widow Twankey; West End performer James-Royden Lyley as Aladdin; and SIX star Yna Montarde as Princess Jasmine.
Floral Pavilion Venue Manager Pauline Campbell said: “Launch day is when panto really starts to feel real. It’s the first time the cast gets together at the theatre and we’ve assembled a fabulously talented group who are determined to pull out all the stops. “We’re once again working with UK Productions Ltd who always produce outstanding pantomime experiences and our audiences agree: they’ve rated us 4.9 stars out of 5 in the last two years. The final countdown to Aladdin starts now and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back from 5 December!”
Audiences can look forward to being whisked away on a magical carpet ride, with a festive production designed to bring families together for a Christmas theatre experience in New Brighton. Tickets for Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion are priced from £15 to £38.50 and are available from floralpavilion.com.
