A Pantomime Cast Worthy of Gold

Image by Caroline Keyworth

Don’t miss this genie-tastic adventure with everything you could wish for in a Christmas pantomime at Lincoln’s treasured Victorian theatre. Tickets on sale now, or call 01522 519999.

The New Theatre Royal Lincoln (NTR) have announced this year’s pantomime cast with familiar faces, West End stars, and a national treasure in the shape of an Olympic gymnast, who will take to the stage in Aladdin between Tuesday 5^th December 2023 – Sunday 7^th January 2024.

Home to Lincoln’s longest running traditional Christmas pantomime, the NTR are thrilled to welcome back Strictly Come Dancing legend Ian Waite as Sultan Cha-Cha-Cha, who became an audience favourite in their 2022 pantomime, Cinderella, as the Fairy Godfather. Ian performed on BBC’s Strictly for eight series, and subsequently featured on It Takes Two (BBC Two) with his own popular segment ‘Waite’s Warm Up’. Since then, he has toured the nation with various dance productions including The Ballroom Boys and The Ballroom Boys ACT 2, both of which visited the NTR, appearing alongside fellow Strictly professional Vincent Simone.

Ahead of his return, Ian said, “I’m so excited to be back in Lincoln, it’s one of my favourite places to be. I love the cathedral, I love the castle, and most importantly I love the theatre. It’s steeped in history, and it feels like I’m coming home to family. I can’t wait to see the brilliant Lincoln audiences again soon, they have always been wonderful.”

Ian will be joined by Olympic medallist Louis Smith MBE, as the baddie Abanazar. Louis became a household name after winning bronze in the men’s pommel horse at the 2008 Olympics, making him the first Briton to win an Olympic gymnastics medal since 1928. He followed this with silver medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. Away from the gymnasium, Louis won Strictly Come Dancing (2012) alongside Flavia Cacace and was crowned the first winner of ITV’s The Masked Dancer (2021).

He is no stranger to the stage either after appearing in the West End productions of Rip It Up The 60s (2019) and Rip It Up The 70s (2019), starring alongside celebrities including JLS’ Aston Merrygold, McFly’s Harry Judd, and S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens. But Aladdin marks his first pantomime, and ahead of the production Louis said, “This is going to be my first panto, which is really cool. And I’m from Peterborough, just a stone’s throw away, so loads of friends and family can come to watch. I’m just really grateful to be welcomed into the pantomime family at the New Theatre Royal and I’m excited and eager to get going. I hope everyone enjoys the show.”

Roger Wright will be bringing some West End magic to Lincoln when he stars as the Genie of the Lamp. After starting his career as a fashion model, Roger appeared in various West End productions, performing as Cab Calloway in The Blues Brothers (1997/98), Marvin Gaye in Dancing in the Streets (2004), a compere and principal singer in Thriller Live (2008/09), and the coveted role of adult Simba in the original West End cast of Disney’s The Lion King at London’s Lyceum Theatre (1999/2003).

Also joining the cast is pantomime veteran Chris Clarkson, as Dame Ginger Spice. Chris is at home on stage after appearing in 20 professional pantomimes and further productions including the UK tour of the Blood Brothers (2004). Alongside acting, he is an in-demand presenter and voice-over artist with appearances on Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, The One Show, and a list of TV adverts.

The theatre are also proud to introduce some NTR debutants to the stage. Matthew Alexander-Lautman will play the title role of Aladdin, whilst Ellie Cooper will star as Jasmine, with Yñaqui Tuason-Inocian as Aladdin’s Brother, Chip Spice.

Rounding up the cast is NTR’s very own Artistic Director, Natalie Hayes-Cowley, as Sirina of the Ring. Natalie, who is also the show’s Producer, Writer, and Director, appeared in last year’s pantomime as Ugly Sister Filler and is excited for more pantomime madness this year, “Last year was great fun! Getting back out on the stage last Christmas, after a six-year break from performing, gave me that bug again. You can’t beat the buzz of panto and our amazing Lincoln audiences give us so much interaction to feed off, so I can’t wait to get stuck in again this year.

Aladdin is set to be another fabulous production and arguably the most visually vibrant of all our pantos, with an amazing set and colourful costumes. Every year we work hard to raise the bar, adding that NTR unique stamp and “wow” factor; and with a multi-talented cast that will bring huge dance routines, sensational vocals, and perfect comedic timing, our audiences are in for a treat.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that continues to support the theatre. Last year, Cinderella was our most successful pantomime to date, which is so important because the money raised from pantomimes is vital to the survival of the theatre. Without our incredible patrons, our doors simply wouldn’t be open. So, here’s to another amazing year, we can’t wait for everyone, young and old, to see it!”

Don’t miss this genie-tastic adventure with everything you could wish for in a Christmas pantomime at Lincoln’s treasured Victorian theatre. Tickets on sale now, or call 01522 519999.