Crewe Lyceum and pantomime producers Imagine Theatre are delighted to announce a star-studded lineup for this panto season as much loved and celebrated TV personality Louie Spence and Coronation Street favourite Jamie Kenna join Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter Kiera-Nicole and stage favourite Malcolm Lord in this year’s magical family Pantomime Aladdin from 16 December 2022 – 8 January 2023.
Louie has a career in performance spanning many years. As a graduate of the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts he began working as a backing dancer on tours for artists such as Bjork and The Spice Girls. Louie also starred in top West-End musicals such as Cats, Closer to Heaven and was part of the award-winning original cast of Miss Saigon. However, his appearance in the popular docu-soap series Pineapple Dance Studios for Sky 1 in 2010 made him a much-loved household name. Since then, Louie has been seen on TV shows including Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Big Brother and The Jump. Louie returned to the stage to huge acclaim in panto last year in Swindon and is delighted to be back this Christmas in Crewe!
Playing the Spirit of the Ring this year in Aladdin Louie says: “I can’t wait to play Genie of the Ring in this year’s pantomime Aladdin at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe!”
Joining Louie is Coronation Street’s Jamie Kenna playing the Evil Abanazar. Currently on the cobbles in Coronation Street as Phil Whittaker, Jamie is a consummate actor, singer and performer having appeared in many theatre productions including Mamma Mia (UK Tour), To Kill a Mockingbird and War Horse at The National Theatre and West-End. Jamie is also a star of the silver screen appearing in Hollywood blockbusters including Green Street Hooligans, Blitz, and The Bank Job along with many popular TV series including Peaky Blinders, Minder, Law & Order: UK, Mount Pleasant and most recently His Dark Materials.
Jamie says: ‘I’ve never played the Lyceum before but have visited and it’s a beautiful venue I can’t wait to get on stage there. They say you’re not a true actor until you’ve changed trains at Crewe and when I left drama school I always had that in my mind, I remember the first time I changed trains at Crewe and thought I’ve made it! So, it has a very special place in my heart. I’m hoping to bring a lot of humour to my very evil Abanazar and really looking forward to your best and biggest boos to raise the roof this Christmas. It’s going to be raucous hilarious fun. Make sure you join us”
Taking the role of Jasmine is children’s TV star Kiera-Nicole. At just 18 years old, Kiera-Nicole became the youngest presenter on Channel 5 regularly hosting popular children’s strand Milkshake! Alongside her regular appearances on Milkshake TV, Kiera is also presenting two live tours, she’s looking forward to playing Jasmine and bringing panto magic to the stage with Imagine Theatre this year, as she does every year when panto season arrives.
Joining Louie, Jamie and Kiera this year is Crewe’s favourite Dame Malcolm Lord as Widow Twankey. This will be Malcolm’s 6 th consecutive panto at the Lyceum and the 35 th of his career. Malcolm has worked extensively in all aspects of theatre and television Playing a wide variety of roles, but his main claim to fame is appearing for thirteen years in the classic children’s programme Rainbow. Initially playing George the pink hippo and then taking on the role of Bungle Bear.
Rhys Hopkin, Lyceum Theatre Director, said: “We’re delighted to bring a star-studded cast to Cheshire and Staffordshire this festive season. With Louie Spence leading the cast and our favourite dame Malcolm Lord returning for his sixth consecutive year, Aladdin is going to be another pantomime to be proud of. It’s incredibly exciting to welcome our new producing partner Imagine Pantomimes to the Lyceum stage for a show packed full of the magic that makes the Crewe panto an unmissable family tradition.”
Poor Aladdin is in love with Jasmine but as a reluctant helper in the laundry run by his mother his prospects are not looking good, that is until a mysterious magician arrives promising riches beyond his wildest dreams!
Will Aladdin be able to thwart the wicked Abanazar, gain control of the magic lamp and win the heart of Jasmine? Come along to Crewe Lyceum and find out!
Tickets are on sale now at crewelyceum.co.uk
