Aladdin pantomime: all-star cast announced

An all-star cast, consisting of Sherrie Hewson, John Thomson, Ben Adams and Eric Potts has been announced for Aladdin, showing in Manchester this Christmas.

The well-loved pantomime of Aladdin will run from Friday 9th of December until Sunday 8th January 2017 at The Opera House in Manchester, and feature a cast of famous faces.

Benidorm, Loose Woman and Coronation Street favourite, Sherrie Hewson, will play the Genie of the Ring, whereas pop star Ben Adams has nabbed the main role of Aladdin.

John Thomson, who is best known for his role as Pete Gifford in Cold Feet, will be playing the evil Abanazer, and the long-suffering Widow Twankey will be played by Eric Potts.

Eric Potts is a regular at the Opera House and has played parts in soaps such as Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Brookside. He has starred as a dame in many pantos, and also writes many of First Family Entertainment’s pantomimes.

Sherrie Hewson commented, “I am thrilled to be working for First Family playing Genie of the ring in this year’s pantomime Aladdin. I love the Manchester Opera House and have wonderful memories of Manchester and my time in Coronation Street. It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas time.”

The show will feature comedy, chart-topping songs, family fun and audience participation, and also feature a flying carpet.

John Thomson added, “I always love coming to watch the Opera House’s annual panto, and had great fun playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan here in 2007 – so I’m thrilled to be playing Abanazer in this year’s show.

“Everyone knows the baddies get all the best lines so I’m looking forward to getting booed by all the boys and girls (and mums and dads!) of Manchester.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by visiting www.atgtickets.com/manchester.