Panto legend will return to Harrogate Theatre as cast is revealed for this year's family favourite

The talented Stedman is to take the role of Wishee Washee in this year’s pantomime Aladdin – which will run at Harrogate Theatre from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, January 15.As audiences know, it just wouldn't be the same without the hugely popular comic actor on board.Incredibly, Aladdin will be Steadman's 22nd year at Harrogate Theatre panto which is not only important to children, families and schools across the district but to this important arts hub's financial well-being.

Each year tens of thousands travel from all across North Yorkshire to see Tim - a versatile actor who has appeared in Emmerdale, The Bill and The Basil Brush Show on stage at Harrogate Theatre where he first stole the show in the 2000 panto.

The special rapport with the Harrogate public is part of the reason that Tim, who trained originally at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, keeps coming back to the town from his home down south.

“It’s a wonderful privilege having the opportunity to share Christmas with Harrogate,” said Tim.

“Though it’s hard work it is hugely rewarding to share a magical and funny show with children and families in the Harrogate panto each year.”

The effervescent and very silly Tim Stedman is not the only popular favourite making a return to the cast this year in the theatre’s magical, family-friendly and intelligent pantomime.

The brilliant Harrogate pantomime regular Howard Chadwick will be playing the Dame, Widow Twankey.

And another regular, Christina Harris returns to play Princess So-S.

But there will be some new faces, too, in Aladdin.

Joining the company as the Genie and DCI Kate will be Ebony Feare, for whom this will be her first panto.

Also new to the cast will be Michael Lambourne, who will be playing the dastardly ABBAnazer.

Packed with spectacular sets, sparkle and big singalongs – but nothing vulgar or tacky – Harrogate Theatre’s magical pantomime is a firm festive favourite, so expect sold-out notices to start appearing.

This year’s show is written – as ever – by David Bown, co-credited to the late Phil Lowe, with additional material from Tim Steadman and direction by Marcus Romer.

It all looks so much fun in stage that it’s hard to believe that, after all these years, the talented Stedman approaches the start of panto season each year under the weight of expectation, feeling the need to live up to the high standards set by Harrogate panto which in the past has been praised by Sir Ian McKellan.

“Even after more than 20 years, I still feel nervy. You never lose that," said Tim.

“I do feel a sense of pressure to make it better each year. I’m terrified of complacency.”

The panto is such an essential part of Christmas in Harrogate, tickets are already being snapped up for Aladdin.

Tim and the team will be hoping there is no repeat this year of Storm Arwen, which forced Harrogate Theatre last year to postpone some of the opening weekend's performances, though it did not put a damper on a successful run.

Aladdin, Harrogate Theatre, Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Tickets are available at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk