Meet the cast of our pantomime, Aladdin

We're excited to reveal the cast of our pantomime, Aladdin.

Huddersfield’s own Aladdin is down on his luck, dreaming of a life beyond the endless piles of laundry in his mam’s laundrette. But when he stumbles upon the town’s mysterious antiques emporium — a treasure trove brimming with wonders — he uncovers a rather extraordinary lamp that unleashes a world of magic that could change everything… 

Packed with mischief, music, and mayhem, Aladdin is brought to life with a signature Lawrence Batley Theatre twist — taking the whole family on a truly unforgettable magic carpet ride. 

Our award-winning creative team are back together for a fourth year running. Earlier in the year writer Andrew Pollard took home the panto awards trophy for best script at the UK Pantomime Awards for last year’s Beauty and the Beast. He’s been working away on a new pantomime script for Aladdin in collaboration with creative colleagues Rachel Gee, Director and Choreographer and our in-house producers Becky Dash and Olivia Race. Returning creatives also include Musical Director Robert Cooper, Lighting Designer Chris Brearley and Sound Designer Jonathan Hudson. 

Playing the roles of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, Reece Carter (Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Nottingham Playhouse, The Princess and the Sprout – Wrongsemble) and Sonia Wrightson (Pick ‘n’ Mix – Leeds Playhouse, If All The World Were – Tutti Frutti Productions) return to play our romantic duo. Both hailing from West Yorkshire, Sonia is a Bradford-born actress and Reece is born and bred in Leeds.  

Back for his fifth pantomime, Pete Toon (A Kick in the Baubles – Hull Truck, The Tempest – Northern Broadsides) returns as Dame Hattie Hotpoint. Pete has become a firm favourite with Huddersfield audiences, families now returning year-on-year for his trademark warmth and cheeky humour.  

We have two new cast members making their Lawrence Batley Theatre pantomime debuts.  

Our dedicated understudy from Beauty and the Beast will step into her own role this year as Lauren Bickerdike (The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Richard Burton Theatre Company, Company – The Sherman Theatre) will play Spirit of the Ring/Sergeant Coppem. Local audiences may remember seeing Lauren step into almost every characters shoes last year as she wowed the audiences with her incredible acting range. Neha Eapen plays in her second professional pantomime as Genie of the Lamp/Constable Nabbem.  

Two more familiar faces are also back. James McLean (Much Ado About Nothing – Northern Broadsides, A Christmas Carol – Derby Theatre) returns for his fifth year to play baddie Ray Presto and Shorelle Hepkin (Robin Hood – Oldham Coliseum, Little Red – Page 2 Stage) turns goodie this year as Princess Jasmine’s mum Queen Hyacynth of Huddersfield.  

We will also welcome Leeds-based actor Lois Fiddes to the panto team as Understudy for her very first pantomime performance.

Olivia Race, Chief Executive (Maternity Cover) of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said, “Having local professional actors using their native Yorkshire accents is beyond important for our young audiences in Huddersfield. Pantomime is often a child's first experience of theatre; we think it's vital that our community can see and hear themselves represented on the only professional stage in Kirklees. If you can't see it, you can't be it. And our pantomime is all about raising our children's expectations, imaginations and giving them a magical experience in their hometown. Earlier this year we were recognised nationally for our high-quality pantomime, and this December’s pantomime will be the best yet.”