Lisa Maxwell to star in Norwich Theatre Royal Aladdin panto

Aladdin will run at the venue from December 7 2024 until January 5 2025 and it was announced earlier this year that Joe Tracini is returning. 

He will play the role of Reg, who is Aladdin's brother, as he tries to get his family's pie shop through troubled times. 

The latest cast announcement for Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre)

A trio of new names have now been added to the cast, with Lisa Maxwell to star as the Evil Aunt.

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She is best known for playing D.I. Samantha Nixon on ITV's The Bill and she was also a panelist on Loose Women. 

Her recent theatre appearances include playing Judy Garland in Peter Quilter's award-winning play End of The Rainbow and Celia in Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's Calendar Girls.

Lisa Maxwell will play the Evil Aunt (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre)

She said: "Returning to panto after 25 years, I can't wait to be booed and hissed at by the lovely people of Norwich!"

Also newly announced is Tarik Frimpong as Aladdin and Meesha Turner as Princess Jazz.

Tarik Frimpong will play Aladdin (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre)

Frimpong starred in the film Mary Poppins Returns and his theatre credits include the UK and Ireland tour of The Drifters Girl, which came to Norwich Theatre Royal, and Aladdin on the West End. 

Turner is best known for starring as Catherine Parr in Six the Musical on the West End.

Meesha Turner will play Princess Jazz (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre)

Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre creative programmes and audiences director and lead producer of the pantomime, said: "We are overjoyed to welcome Lisa, Tariq and Meesha to bring their fantastic musical talents to this year’s panto. 

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"Settle in on the magic carpet everyone - this is going to be a thrilling ride!”

Richard Gauntlett is writing the panto but taking a break from playing the dame this year to star in the UK tour of Elf the Musical.

Book tickets at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000.