Floral Pavilion announces new cast members at panto launch event
The Floral Pavilion and UK Productions Ltd have announced further star cast for Aladdin, this year's pantomime which runs in Wirral from 5 December to 3 January.
Local actor John-Paul Birss joins the cast as the Emperor, while Rosie Royle makes her principal debut as the Spirit of the Ring.
John-Paul Birss’ theatre credits include the 25th anniversary cast of MAMMA MIA! at the Novello Theatre in the West End. His screen credits include House of Guinness for Netflix, Peaky Blinders and the forthcoming DC Comics film Clayface.
Rosie Royle is delighted to be making her principal debut as the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin. She has performed in in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 2021 and Beauty and the Beast in 2025 (Blackpool Grand Theatre).
The new additions join the star-studded cast led by CBBC star James Mackenzie as the wicked Abanazar and pantomime favourite Sean Jones, returning to the Floral Pavilion for his seventh year as Wishee Washee.
They are joined by Blackpool-based performer and radio presenter Scott Gallagher, making his pantomime Dame debut as Widow Twankey; West End performer James-Royden Lyley as Aladdin; and SIX star Yna Montarde as Princess Jasmine.
Floral Pavilion Venue Manger Pauline Campbell said:
Launch day is when panto really starts to feel real. It's the first time the cast gets together at the theatre and we’ve assembled a fabulously talented group who are determined to pull out all the stops. We’re once again working with UK Productions Ltd who always produce outstanding pantomime experiences and our audiences agree: they’ve rated us 4.9 stars out of 5 in the last two years. The final countdown to Aladdin starts now and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back from 5 December!
This Christmas, audiences will be whisked away on a magical carpet ride as Aladdin comes to the Floral Pavilion, with spectacular staging, music, comedy, and audience participation. With a brilliant cast and plenty of panto magic, audiences can look forward to making new Christmas memories together in New Brighton.
Tickets are priced from £15 to £38.50 and are available from the Floral Pavilion website.
