Tyne Theatre & Opera House is delighted to announce the cast for its spectacular 2026 Christmas pantomime Aladdin, running from 4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Produced by Enchanted Entertainment, this year’s festive adventure promises magic, mischief, music and plenty of laughs for the whole family.
Leading the cast as the wicked Abanazar is Michael Greco, best known to millions for playing Beppe di Marco in EastEnders. Michael’s screen credits also include the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Hatfields & McCoys alongside Kevin Costner and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, while on stage he has starred as Billy Flynn in Chicago in London’s West End.
Michael says: “I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas in Newcastle and getting properly stuck into Abanazar. Playing the villain is always great fun – especially in panto, where you get that instant reaction from the audience. I’m expecting plenty of boos and hisses at the Tyne Theatre, and I can’t wait!”
Bringing some magic to the Tyne Theatre stage as the Genie of the Lamp is singer and West End star Marcus Collins. Marcus became a household name as runner-up to Little Mix on The X Factor in 2011, before going on to appear in Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Hair, The Choir of Man and originating the role of Andre in the West End production of Mrs Doubtfire.
Marcus says: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Aladdin and bringing the Genie to life this Christmas. Panto is all about big performances, brilliant music and having fun with the audience, so this role is an absolute gift. I’m really looking forward to experiencing Newcastle at Christmas and making some magic at the Tyne Theatre!”
Returning to the Tyne Theatre panto are two much-loved audience favourites. Charlie Richmond celebrates an incredible 18th year as the theatre’s resident panto comic, this time playing Wishee Washee. A firm favourite with generations of North East audiences, Charlie’s credits include Purely Belter, Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You, Sting’s The Last Ship and BBC’s George Gently.
Joining him is Lewis Denny, returning for his 12th Tyne Theatre pantomime as the fabulous Widow Twankey. Lewis has become a much-loved part of the theatre’s annual panto tradition and is also known to thousands online as his comedy alter-ego, ‘Northumberland’s Favourite Mam’, Karen the Mam.
Taking on the title role of Aladdin is international musical theatre performer Mikki Villa. Trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Mikki has performed across the UK and internationally, with credits including Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd and Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys.
Newcastle’s own Sophie Mordey makes her professional pantomime debut as Princess Jasmine. Sophie began performing at Nice Swan Academy before training at Newcastle College and is currently completing her professional training at Emil Dale Academy.
Playing the Emperor is William Folan-Conray, whose extensive career as an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer includes West End productions of Peter Pan – The Musical, Ziegfeld, Singin’ in the Rain and Some Like It Hot, alongside numerous stage and television credits.
Making her Tyne Theatre debut as the magical Spirit of the Ring is Nik Grundison. Nik has called the North East home for the past 16 years and brings a wealth of pantomime experience, including previously appearing as the Slave of the Ring in Aladdin.
Completing the principal cast as PC Pong is actor and established puppeteer Ben Murrell, whose credits include UK and international tours of Life of Pi, There’s a Monster in Your Show and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as well as Disney’s The Muppets: Most Wanted.
Jonathan Higgins, Chief Executive of Tyne Theatre & Opera House, says: “Panto is such an important part of Christmas at the Tyne Theatre, and we love seeing families return year after year to enjoy it with us. Charlie and Lewis have become a huge part of that tradition and are so loved by our audiences, so it’s wonderful to have them back alongside such a brilliant cast. We’re really looking forward to welcoming Michael, Marcus and the rest of the company to the Tyne Theatre and sharing another fantastic Christmas with audiences from across the North East.”
Producer Guy Pascall of Enchanted Entertainment says: “We’re thrilled to be returning to the beautiful Tyne Theatre & Opera House with Aladdin. We’ve assembled a fantastic cast who bring together some brilliant new faces with performers that Newcastle audiences already know and love. Audiences can expect stunning costumes, fantastic music, plenty of comedy and, of course, a little panto magic. We can’t wait to welcome everyone aboard the magic carpet this Christmas.”
This year’s pantomime is proudly supported by Staybridge Suites Newcastle and Nearby Taxis. Located close to Newcastle’s Quayside, Staybridge Suites offers comfortable apartment-style accommodation, ideal for visitors turning their trip to Aladdin into a festive city break. Nearby Taxis provides dependable, fixed-fare travel across Newcastle and the wider North East, with fully vetted local drivers and a versatile fleet to help audiences get to and from the theatre safely and comfortably.
Follow Aladdin on an enchanting adventure filled with magic, mischief and mayhem as he battles the wicked Abanazar, tries to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and discovers the true power of the magic lamp.
From the team behind the Tyne Theatre’s productions of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, Aladdin will be packed with fantastic songs, dazzling special effects, spectacular costumes, audience participation and laughter for the whole family.
Performances run from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle. Several performances are already limited or selling fast.
To book, visit tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk or call the Box Office on 0191 243 1171.
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