There was magic, mayhem and more than a little panto chaos at Blackburn Empire Theatre yesterday as the cast of Aladdin came together to officially launch this year’s Christmas pantomime.
And if the launch is anything to go by, Blackburn is in for a very entertaining Christmas.
The theatre was taken over by the colourful characters of Laundryland as the cast explored the stage, posed for plenty of photographs and got their first taste of the fun that lies ahead when Aladdin opens on Saturday 21 November.
Produced by Tom Rolfe Productions, this year’s adventure brings together plenty of familiar Empire faces alongside some exciting additions.
Back causing chaos is audience favourite Stee Leahy as Tilly Twankey, while Richard Dawes takes the title role of Aladdin. Naomi Dale joins him as Princess Jasmine, with Nathaniel Elechi bringing the magic as the Genie of the Lamp.
After being deliciously wicked in last year’s Snow White, Erin-Joy Laffan is back in a very different guise as the Spirit of the Ring, while another familiar Empire favourite, Mick Liversidge, takes his place as the Emperor of Laundryland.
There was plenty of laughter as everyone came together at the theatre for the launch – and perhaps just enough chaos to suggest that keeping this lot under control until January could be quite a challenge!
But that’s exactly what audiences can expect from Aladdin: big laughs, colourful costumes, music, dance, audience participation, a magical Genie and all the wonderfully silly traditions of a proper family pantomime.
And it seems audiences are already ready to climb aboard the magic carpet.
Tickets are flying – excuse the pun! – for performances throughout the festive season, with the show running from Saturday 21 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.
There is also a final opportunity for schools wanting to make panto part of their Christmas celebrations. Limited school performance availability remains, with dedicated school bookings made directly through the theatre.
So dust off that flying carpet, practise your best “Oh yes it is!” and get ready for a Christmas adventure at the Empire.
Aladdin – Blackburn Christmas Pantomime 2026:
https://blackburnempire.com/show/aladdin-blackburn-christmas-pantomime-2026/
School performance availability:
https://blackburnempire.com/show/aladdin-the-pantomime-school-performances/