The cast of Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre is now complete, with musical theatre performer Morgan Jackson announced as the Genie of the Lamp. The pantomime runs from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
The production is presented by Bournemouth Pavilion and UK Productions, and promises a magic carpet ride of laughter, dazzling costumes, special effects, musical numbers and family fun.
Who is in the cast?
Coronation Street star James Cartwright, known to millions as Theo Silverton, plays the wicked Abanazar, so audiences are being told to get ready to bring their loudest boos.
Britain's Got Talent star Kristel Herrera plays Princess Jasmine, and Dante Nardone is Aladdin, making his professional theatre debut. Jamie Steen plays the outrageous Widow Twankey.
Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie returns as Wishee Washee for his twelfth year, and West End performer Bree Smith plays the Spirit of the Ring.
Who plays the Genie?
Morgan Jackson trained at SLP College. His credits include Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show in the West End and on UK and international tour, Ram Sweeney in Heathers on UK tour, and first cover Pepper in Mamma Mia! in the West End and on UK tour. He has also appeared in The Wedding Singer, Fame, Oklahoma! and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
He is no stranger to pantomime, having played the title role in Peter Pan at The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, along with appearances in Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Dick McWhittington and Aladdin. He also appeared in the Channel 5 television series Don't Stop Believing.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion this Christmas," he said. "Pantomime is such a special part of the festive season and I'm delighted to be taking on the role of the Genie. Bournemouth Pavilion is a beautiful theatre and I can't wait to meet audiences and be part of what promises to be a truly magical production for the whole family."
What has the producer said?
Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said: "The Genie is a role that demands enormous personality, comic timing and the ability to fill the stage with magic, and Morgan has all of those qualities in abundance. I'm looking forward to seeing Morgan grant plenty of wishes, particularly the audience's wish for a fantastic night out!"
What can audiences expect?
The venue promises spectacular scenery, lighting, fabulous costumes, high energy choreography, and plenty of innuendo, banter, pop culture and audience participation. Families are invited to cheer the heroes, boo Abanazar and shout themselves silly as the Pavilion is transformed into a world of wishes and festive fun.
When are the performances?
Performances run most days across the season, with matinees and evening shows, plus 10.30am performances on several December weekdays with rates for schools and young people's groups. There are 1pm and 5pm shows on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and the final performance is at 2.30pm on Sunday 3 January.
Tickets start from £18, excluding booking fees. Group discounts are available on selected dates.
Are there accessible performances?
Yes. Relaxed performances are on Tuesday 15 December at 10.30am and Wednesday 30 December at 2.30pm, and there is a captioned performance on Monday 21 December at 2.30pm.
Bournemouth Pavilion is on Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU. For more theatre news from around the country, see our latest stories.
Image credit: Official artwork, Bournemouth Pavilion.
Regional Theatre Correspondent
Bridget covers UK regional theatre for British Theatre: tours, openings and production news beyond the West End.
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