Invited: Preview by Jon Isbell on 1st October 2026
The cast for Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s 2026 Christmas pantomime were joyfully introduced to an invited audience of press and excited children from St Pauls primary school.
Alongside established stalwarts of the Tyne Theatre panto, comic Charlie Richmond as Wishee Washee and dame Lewis Denny as Widow Twankey, the star names this year are Michael Greco as the wicked Abanazar and Marcus Collins as the Genie of the Lamp.
Greco is best known for playing Beppe di Marco in Eastenders, and since leaving the Square has had a successful and varied career on screen and on stage, including a run as Billy Flynn in Chicago in London’s West End. It was clear from his introduction to the stage and his immediate interaction with the children that Greco will relish his role as the baddie. He say’s “Playing the villain is always great fun – especially in panto, where you get that instant reaction from the audience.”
Collins won the hearts of X Factor viewers in 2011 coming out as the runner-up behind Little Mix, and has since gone on to establish himself as a musical theatre regular appearing in Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Hair, and originating the role of Andre in the West End production of Mrs Doubtfire. This will be Collins second turn in Aladdin at the Tyne Theatre, having previously played the Genie in their 2019 production. He said “We don’t want the just give audiences the same show so are working hard to make this one totally different. Panto is all about big performances, brilliant music and having fun with the audience, so this role is an absolute gift.”
As mentioned, returning for his 18th year as Tyne Theatre’s resident panto comic, Charlie Richmond is the epitome of Geordie panto. “It’s absolutely my favourite time of year, I just love it.” he says, and that shows from the moment he steps on stage. His energy is immediately infectious and will ensure children and adults alike will laugh out loud and leave having loved every second of the show.
Joining Richmond for his 12th year as dame in Newcastle is Lewis Denny. The partnership the pair have on stage is brilliant and they will be a fantastic mother and son duo. There can also be no doubt that Denny will have some wonderful costumes to showcase in what is shaping up visually to be a proper, traditional Aladdin.
That said, various cast members have alluded to some new and exciting illusions to help drive the story along, and it is in little doubt that this years panto will be bang up to date with some great musical choices peppered throughout.
In the title role of Aladdin is international performer Mikki Villa. Alongide UK and international musical theatre credits – including Into The Woods and Sweeney Todd – Villa has appeared in Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys. His soaring vocals are sure to wow audiences this Christmas season and will help him bring the character to life as the heart of the show.
Another beautiful voice gracing the stage this year is Newcastle’s Sophie Mordey in her professional pantomime debut as Princess Jasmine. Mordey was chosen from hundreds of hopefuls in the Tyne Theatre’s annual search for a star from which they find their leading lady. With quite the set of pipes, Mordey will also bring a local sincerity to the stage and the princess all the little girls will go home wanting to be.
The Spirit of the Ring in this year’s pantomime will be played by Nik Grundison. Also found during the star search this year, Grundison exudes a kindness and warmth which will no doubt play well against the wickedness of Abanazar.
Rounding off the cast are William Folan-Conray as the Emperor and Ben Murrell as PC Pong – both have extensive theatre credits to their name. Folan-Conray can boast acting, singing, dancing and choreography credits as well as television work including an appearance alongside French & Saunders in their famous ballet sketch. Murrell is an actor and established puppeteer with work including stage productions of Life of Pi and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as well as the 2014 Disney movie The Muppets: Most Wanted.
This cast are destined to put on a magical pantomime this year, full of great music, dazzling special effects, stunning costumes, and fun, laughter, and audience participation for the whole family.
Aladdin opens at the Tyne Theatre and Opera house on Friday 4th December and runs through until Sunday 3rd January 2027. Tickets are available from the theatre’s box office
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