Aladdin is billed to fly high at the Epstein Theatre
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

IT is Panto Season very soon... so get ready for the traditional "Oh no it isn't... Oh yes it is!" lines... This year we headed to the Epstein Theatre, on Thursday, 29 September 2016, to see the press launch of 'Aladdin.' This Christmas will see LHK Productions returning for a 5th year, to the venue for its latest pantomime. The show will run from Thursday, 8 December 2016 to Sunday, 8 January 2017, with a dazzling cast that will outshine most Christmas Tree Stars... Headlining Aladdin is singer, TV personality and businesswoman, Natasha Hamilton. She was one of the successful girl group Atomic Kitten, and more recently playing the lead role Mrs Johnstone in the highly acclaimed West End musical Blood Brothers! Southport's links could not be stronger, with Southport Radio's presenter Debi Jones and also Tom Burroughs taking part... Plus other well known faces and voices!

So who are the others who will be flying in to Liverpool this Christmas?

X Factor finalist, Sean Smith, will be flying high in his role as street urchin, Aladdin. The singer, from Portsmouth, was one half of pop duo Same Difference which came third in the live final in 2007. Having Performed with his sister Sarah, the siblings have since split and Sean is awaiting the release of his debut solo album. No stranger to the stage, Sean began performing at an early age, appearing in Evita alongside Marti Webb at the age of 7! He left home at 17 to perform on cruise ships and has appeared in numerous pantomimes and musicals. Now he is looking forward to entertaining the people of Liverpool. You can see our interview with him on YouTube later in the week...

Sean kept emphasising and physically showed his excitement at have the chance to both sing and perform with Natasha... He said:- "I can't wait to star in Aladdin! I was and still am a massive Atomic Kitten fan... It's my childhood dream to sing with Natasha Hamilton and I'm looking forward to spending Christmas in Liverpool!"

Reality TV star, Jordan Davies will be granting lots of wishes when he shows off his highly toned 6 pack in his role as the Genie of the Lamp. The Welsh hunk and star of Magaluf Weekender and Ex On The Beach is guaranteed to have all the ladies swooning! He said:- "It's the 1st time I've done anything like this, but I thought I would give it a go and hopefully I'll make people laugh along the way!"

Meanwhile, Merseyside's Mark Byron will be on a power trip as the Slave of the Ring. This larger than life Liverpool lad rose to fame on Big Brother Power Trip in 2014 when the public fell in love with his lively personality, funny catchphrases and over the top reactions. Following the show, Mark has maintained a high profile appearing in national magazines, newspapers and regular appearances on Big Brother's Bit On The Side. Crowned Liverpool's Most Stylish Scouser in the Juice FM Style Awards, Mark is looking forward to flaunting his flamboyant costumes as Slave of the Ring! He told the press that:- "I'm so excited as this is my 1st ever panto. I love my outfit. It's not something I'd normally wear, but I reckon I'm rocking the turban…!"

Resident favourites Michael Chapman, and Lewis Pryor will also be returning to the Epstein stage to bring their usual mixture of mirth and mayhem and all the essential ingredients of a magical family panto!

There is nothing like a dame, especially when she's played by the hilarious Michael Chapman, and audiences will be delighted to know that their favourite panto dame will be back to play Widow Twankey.

Tom Burroughs will have the audience booing aplenty as the evil Abanazar and billed as the 1 to watch, Lewis Pryor will provide lots of laughs as the cheeky Wishy Washy and Lesley Butler provides a touch of glamour as the Empress of China.

Hot on the heels of its eggcellent Easter panto, Snow White, and smash hit festive production of Cinderella, LHK's next panto promises to deliver the same mixture of fun and laughter that audiences have come to expect, as well as stunning scenery, slapstick comedy, sparkling costumes and plenty of glamour provided by the galaxy of stars.

Tickets are now on sale for the festive family panto which will take the audience on a magic carpet ride to an exotic land filled with all powerful genies, beautiful Princesses, wondrous caves and 3 wishes which might just make a young man's dreams come true…

Producer Lee Kelly explained to the media:- "We're delighted to reveal our all star cast for our Christmas pantomime, Aladdin, which will be bigger and better than ever. We have a really good cast this year who all make a great team. And as a big Atomic Kitten fan, I am thrilled to have Natasha on board!"

So make your family's wish come true and book your tickets now for Liverpool's most magical carpet ride. Visit:- EpsteinLiverpool.Co.UK or book your ticket in person at the Theatre Box Office... This will be 1 of the highlights of the year for you and your family!

Also do not forget to take a look at our YouTube Channel and watch our interviews with the cast. The videos will be live by 14 October 2016...

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