Swansea Grand prepares for festive panto adventure Aladdin

The countdown is on at Swansea Grand Theatre as rehearsals finish for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, which runs from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The production is billed as a festive highlight for families across South West Wales, continuing the Grand’s long tradition of seasonal pantos.

Familiar faces return to the Grand stage

The cast features well‑known performers including Joe Pasquale as Frankie Mankey and Kev Johns as dame Mona Mankey. Welsh singer Celyn Cartwright appears as the Spirit of the Ring, while JG Daniels‑White and Freya Humberstone take on the roles of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. Andrew Fleming plays the villain Sven Gali, with a supporting ensemble and local young performers completing the line‑up.

A modern take on a classic tale

Producers say the show will combine slapstick comedy, audience participation and toe‑tapping tunes with a digital set designed to bring the Cave of Wonders and magic carpet ride to life. The production is written by Andrew Pollard and directed by Joe Pasquale, with choreography by Jared Hageman and musical direction by John Quirk.

Theatre’s festive tradition

Swansea Grand Theatre, which marked its 125th anniversary this year, has long been a centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations. Owned and managed by Swansea Council, the venue continues to host major touring productions alongside its annual pantomime.

The show is produced by Imagine Theatre, part of the Trafalgar Entertainment group, which stages pantomimes across the UK. The company says it is proud to bring “innovative and immersive” productions to audiences while maintaining traditional panto elements.

Event details

  • Dates: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
  • Location: Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ
  • Tickets: swanseagrand.co.uk or 01792 475715

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Directed by Andrew Fleming • 1996 • United States Starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell Having just moved to Los Angeles, Sarah (Robin Tunney) is an outsider at St. Benedict’s Academy until she meets three other social outcasts. Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Roch...

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