Aladdin Cast Causes Magic and Mayhem as Blackburn Panto Officially Launches

Christmas came early to Blackburn as the cast of this year’s Aladdin descended on Blackburn Empire Theatre for a fun-filled official launch – and tickets are already flying for the festive spectacular.

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There was magic, laughter and plenty of panto chaos at Blackburn Empire Theatre yesterday as the cast of Aladdin came together to officially launch the theatre’s 2026 Christmas pantomime.

The cast took over the theatre for a day of photographs, fun and general mischief ahead of the show’s opening on Saturday 21 November, giving an early taste of what audiences can expect when Laundryland comes to Blackburn this Christmas.

Produced by Tom Rolfe Productions, Aladdin features a host of faces already familiar to Empire audiences.

Audience favourite Stee Leahy returns as Tilly Twankey, while Blackburn favourite Richard Dawes takes on the title role of Aladdin.

Naomi Dale plays Princess Jasmine, Nathaniel Elechi will be bringing some serious magic – and moves – to the stage as the Genie of the Lamp, and Mick Liversidge appears as the Emperor of Laundryland.

Also returning is Erin-Joy Laffan, although audiences who remember her wicked Queen Horibella in last year’s Snow White will see a very different side to her this Christmas when she appears as the Spirit of the Ring.

The launch provided the first opportunity to bring the characters together at the theatre – and judging by the laughter and chaos around the building, this year’s cast certainly didn’t need much encouragement to get into the panto spirit.

The new production promises everything families have come to expect from a Blackburn Christmas panto – comedy, music, dancing, colourful costumes, audience participation, plenty of silliness and, of course, a little bit of magic.

And audiences appear keen to join the adventure.

Tickets are already flying – and with Aladdin, surely that pun is allowed – ahead of the show’s run from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

There is also a final opportunity for local schools hoping to enjoy the pantomime together before Christmas, with limited availability remaining for dedicated school performances.

With plenty of performances across the festive season and tickets starting from £14, families can now secure their seats for one of Blackburn’s big Christmas traditions.

Tickets and full details are available from Blackburn Empire Theatre: https://blackburnempire.com/show/aladdin-blackburn-christmas-pantomime-2026/

School performance information is available at: https://blackburnempire.com/show/aladdin-the-pantomime-school-performances/