Shrewsbury pantomime 2026: Cast unveiled as beloved dame Brad Fitt joined by two returning stars for Aladdin
Britain’s Got Talent comic, former Eastenders detective and nephew of Chuckle Brothers to take to the Shrewsbury stage
Football might not be coming home, but pantomime is to a Shrewsbury theatre - with three returning stars aiming to turn our tears to cheers this winter.
The cast of Theatre Severn’s pantomime Aladdin were unveiled this week, including legendary dame Brad Fitt, back for his 15th season, playing Dame Dolly.
Also returning to the Shropshire stage to rekindle his in-genie-ously funny chemistry with Brad is Britain’s Got Talent comedy favourite Tommy J Rollason, who is back in the county town for a fifth panto season.
The multi-talented juggler/unicyclist/magician/comedian will play Charlie in this year’s show.
And Cara Dudgeon, who played Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington and his Cat last year, is floating back to Theatre Severn this winter on a magical carpet ride as The Spirit of the Ring.
West End star Mark Oxtoby, who has also played a police detective in Eastenders, will be entering A Whole New World as this year’s baddie - Ivan Tochacha.
Panto veteran and nephew of the Chuckle Brothers Damian Patton will play PC World. Further casting is to be revealed.
The Shrewsbury pantomime, by Evolution Productions, has once again been written by Telford-born Paul Hendy - former host of Wheel of Fortune and Don’t Try This at Home.
Brad told the Shropshire Star: “It’s another fantastic pantomime from Evolution. We’ve got Aladdin this year. I’m back and I’ve got the lovely Tommy with me.
“We’ve got Cara, who was in the show last year. She’s fantastic.
“We’ve got some new cast members with us. It’s one of those fantastic pantomimes. It’s a great story.
“There are a few twists in this one. A few surprises on the way. It should be a good one.
“This is my 16th year, 15th panto because of the Covid year - which we don’t talk about.
“I love it. The audience is fantastic. I see the same people in the same seats year after year. They’re like one of the characters. Like one of the family.
“What else are you going to do for Christmas? Pantomime is for Christmas, it’s for families. It gets everyone together from the great grandparents, right down to the newborns. Everyone can enjoy it and all have fun. You should make it a yearly tradition!”
So far, the theatre has sold almost 60 per cent of the tickets for the show, which opens on Friday, November 27 and runs to Sunday, January 3.
David Jack, services manager at Theatre Severn, said “Following the huge success of Dick Whittington and his Cat last year, we’re delighted to share another magical pantomime season with you all, and to be working with the fantastic team at Evolution and the hilariously brilliant Brad Fitt for a staggering 15th year!
“Aladdin is a family favourite, and we can’t wait to see what magic Evolution has in store.
“We’re sure it will have everything audiences have come to know and love about the Theatre Severn pantomimes and more. With nearly 60 per cent of tickets snapped up four months ahead of opening, early booking is strongly encouraged. We can’t wait to see you there.”
To book your tickets, call the Box Office on 01743 281281 or book online at theatresevern.co.uk
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