And next year's panto is...

The Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomime crew couldn't wait to tell everyone about their big plans for next year. Lamps at the ready...

Keeping the old gang together - next year’s panto at Newcastle Theatre Royal has been announced

Before this year’s Theatre Royal panto has even begun comes news of next year’s which will mark the 20^th anniversary of father and son duo Danny Adams and Clive Webb starring on the historic stage.

That’s quite an achievement!

For 2026, the Theatre Royal, together with Michael Harrison’s Crossroads Pantomimes, are offering a new version of an old favourite – an Aladdin with new sets, new costumes and all set in the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania.

So the story will have a new spin – we are also promised a Tyneside twist - but the top team will be largely unchanged with Chris Hayward as Aladdin’s mam, Mother Goose, and ‘newcomer’ (he’s become a fixture in recent years) Joe McElderry as The Spirit of the Ring.

“We’re absolutely delighted to announce the return of Danny, Clive, Chris and Joe next Christmas in a brand-new staging of Aladdin,” said Michael who is to produce and direct.

Clive, Chris and Danny doing what they do best during a previous Newcastle Theatre Royal panto

“Opening spectacular new pantomimes at the Theatre Royal is becoming somewhat of a tradition with our new production of The Little Mermaid following the huge success of Pinocchio last year.”

More than 75,000 tickets have been sold already for this season’s The Little Mermaid.

Marianne Locatori, Theatre Royal chief executive, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Danny and Clive back to the venue for their 20^th season.

“Many of our audiences have grown up watching pantomimes here and they are a huge part of that tradition. We’re looking forward to being able to celebrate this milestone by welcoming audiences to watch a version of Aladdin unlike any they have ever seen before.”

Singer Joe McElderry is also back on board for 2025. Pictured during rehearsals for last year’s Pinocchio. Credit: TyneSight

Tickets for Aladdin go on sale from November 14 to Friends Plus members and on November 18 to Friends of the Theatre Royal. Flexi members, groups and schools can book from November 21 while public booking opens on Tuesday, November 26.

Visit the website for more details and bookings.

But that’s for NEXT YEAR. Before then there’s the small matter of this year’s panto spectacular. The Little Mermaid runs from November 26 until January 12 and it’s possible they might still be able to squeeze you in.