Cast revealed for Aladdin at Chelmsford Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for this year’s Christmas pantomime. Known for casting a strong lineup of established and talented actors each year, the theatre’s 2025 cast features a host of new faces with impressive backgrounds, including a brand-new dame in town.

Strong returning creative team for timeless panto tale

The theatre’s much-loved annual panto is produced in house, in association with One From The Heart. This year’s production runs from Friday 28 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 and presents the mystical story of Aladdin. Expect a young hero, an adventurous princess, a very evil villain and, of course, a sassy genie in this timeless tale of rags to riches.

This year, Ryan-Lee Seager returns as director and choreographer, following his work on Snow White (2024) and Jack and the Beanstalk (2023). Also returning are writers and old friends Neil Bromley and Tony Casement, who will craft the script for Aladdin after writing Snow White last year. Completing the creative team for 2025 is Will Evans as Lighting Designer, Julian Starr as Sound Designer, Ben Kennedy as Musical Supervisor and Arranger, and Chaja Nadia Verkerk as Wardrobe Supervisor. 

New dame coming to Chelmsford for 2025

Chelmsford Theatre has a new dame for 2025! The talented Andy Cryer will take on the coveted role this year, playing Widow Twankey. Andy is no stranger to the wonderful world of panto, having played dames, dads and Silly Billys across the UK.

His other acting roles include seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre. Andy’s work also extends to film, television and radio, including To Kill a King; Who Killed Daniel Morgan; Heartbeat and Emmerdale.

Lori Haley Fox to revive her regal side and Bob Harms is this year’s big villain

Last year was American actor Lori Haley Fox’s first ever experience featuring in a traditional British panto, when she was cast as the Wicked Queen in Snow White. Lori delighted audiences with her persuasive panto energy and she’s ready to bring more of this to the stage this year as Jasmine’s fiery and overprotective mother, the Empress. Well known in the theatre industry in the UK and the US, Lori has performed in the West End, on Broadway, and across Europe throughout her career. Her theatre credits include Mamma Mia on Broadway and the UK tour and West End production of Sister Act.

Lori Haley Fox and Bob Harms.

This year’s big panto villain is the (not so) great sorcerer, Abanazar, who hatches an evil plan to trick Aladdin and rule over the world. Taking on this dastardly character is experienced stage actor Bob Harms, who has previously appeared in the UK and international tour of Mamma Mia!, Peter Pan at The New Victoria Theatre in Woking, Pretty Woman at the Piccadilly Theatre and Savoy Theatre, plus much more.

More fresh faces joining panto cast this winter

Joining Andy, Lori and Bob on stage this Christmas is up-and-coming actor Zachary Pang, taking on the title role of the brave Aladdin. Zachary trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and his theatre credits include Storehouse and Dear Evan Hansen.

Opposite Zachary will be Rachel Macdougall as the charming and strong-willed Princess Jasmine. Rachel recently graduated from Laine Theatre Arts and has since appeared in A Very Naughty Christmas at Southwark Playhouse, and the UK and Ireland tour of The King and I.

Zachary Pang and Rachel Macdougall.

Playing Widow Twankey’s foolish but lovable son, Frankie Twankey, is rising star Cole Dunn who trained at Laine Theatre Arts. Cole is currently starring in 50 First Dates at The Other Palace and has also performed in the UK & Ireland Tour of Kinky Boots.

Finally, Aladdin isn’t complete without a wish-granting genie, and this year Gabrielle Davina Smith will be Chelmsford Theatre’s Genie. Gabrielle trained at the Colchester Institute and has built an impressive CV, including roles in the West End’s Matilda the Musical, Rapunzel at The Broadway Theatre, and Wannabe – The Live Stage Show Tour.

Cole Dunn and Gabrielle Davina Smith.

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says a powerful cast is the key component for a successful panto:

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“I couldn’t have asked for a stronger cast to bring Aladdin at Chelmsford Theatre to life. To me, a powerful cast is important to ensure that our audiences are wowed throughout the entire performance rather than relying on one or two big star names. I think this year we’ve once again managed to build a perfectly balanced cast of genuine talent and extensive experience. I can’t wait for our lovely audiences to meet our new faces and of course welcome back Lori, who was such a hit in her debut panto with us last year.”

Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director and Aladdin Co-producer

Co-producer Daryl Back from One From The Heart is looking forward to getting the show on its feet:

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“Myself and the entire cast and creative team working on this year’s Aladdin are all very excited to be gearing up for the launch of another panto season at Chelmsford Theatre and can’t wait to jump into rehearsals next month. Of course, as ever, you can expect a wonderfully magical production for all the family this Christmas, featuring glamorous costumes, memorable sets, catchy tunes and laugh-out-loud puns throughout!”

Daryl Back, Aladdin Co-producer, One From The Heart

New performances of Aladdin available to book now

With Chelmsford’s panto season kicking off in just under seven weeks, the theatre has this month released further weekday tickets for their school performances. These tickets are available at a discounted rate of £20 per ticket – saving up to £13 on a peak show ticket.

There’s still availability for weekend performances, too. These are going quickly so make sure you get your family booked in soon for this festive treat. Tickets are available at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/aladdin.