THE panto has only just ended but Theatre Royal Winchester has announced its next festive show for 2020/21 – Aladdin.

Aladdin is the rags to riches story of a young man who stumbles upon a magic lamp with a powerful Genie inside, and hopes to marry the girl of his dreams, Princess Jasmine. But will his plans be thwarted by the villainous Abanazar, who wants the lamp and princess all for himself?

Once again the theatre’s pantomime will be written and directed by James Barry, with music from Simon Slater – who, after many years at the helm, are well-known for producing pantomimes packed full of great storytelling, original songs, hilarious gags and audience participation; and who early last year were nominated for the Musical Achievement Award for their musical score for the theatre’s hugely successful 2018/19 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

As for last season’s Dick Whittington, which finished its run on Sunday January 5, everyone at Theatre Royal Winchester, and the pantomime’s cast and crew, are overjoyed by the audience response, critical acclaim, and a five star review it received from a leading provider of UK theatre news. It was widely described as the ‘best yet’, with special mentions going out to actor Julian Eardley, who has played the theatre’s Panto Dame for ten years, and praise for actress Jessie Angell who shone throughout her pantomime debut as Dick Whittington’s Cat.

Aladdin will run from Saturday November 28 – Sunday January3 2021. Tickets are on sale now, with early bird schools discounts available, as well as relaxed; British Sign Language; and audio described shows also scheduled so that more people can enjoy the show.

For more information and to book tickets, visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or the Box Office at Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, SO23 8SB, or call them on 01962 840 440.