Aladdin at Sheffield Lyceum – Cast Interviews

This Christmas, Sheffield Theatres brings the magical pantomime Aladdin to the Lyceum stage from Friday 5 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Featuring Wendi Peters, Maxwell Thorpe and Damian Williams, this glittering production promises laughs, songs and plenty of festive cheer. The trio talk about bringing the show to life, their favourite panto memories, and what audiences can expect this year.

Wendi, welcome back to Sheffield. What are you most looking forward to about returning to the Lyceum?
It’s lovely to be back. I love Sheffield and have always had a soft spot for the city and the Lyceum. The audiences are always so warm and up for a laugh. It’s also great to be back on the same stage where I did White Christmas and The Full Monty. Sheffield audiences really know how to enjoy themselves.

Maxwell, you’re a Sheffield lad. How does it feel to be performing panto in your hometown?
I’m so excited! It’s a dream come true. I grew up watching shows at the Lyceum with my family, so being on that stage feels incredible. The people of Sheffield are my people – I can’t wait to perform for them and share a few laughs. It’s going to be a real full-circle moment for me.

Damian, this will be your sixteenth panto in Sheffield – what keeps you coming back year after year?
Honestly, it’s the audiences. Sheffield audiences are some of the best in the country – they’re loud, fun and totally up for it. I’ve been lucky enough to make panto here a Christmas tradition, and it’s something I look forward to all year. Plus, the Lyceum is such a stunning theatre, it’s hard to say no!

Wendi, what can you tell us about your character?
I’m playing the Empress, and she’s a lot of fun. She’s regal but not too serious – she’s got a bit of sass about her! There’s always plenty of mischief and a few surprises along the way, so I’m sure audiences will love her.

Maxwell, you’re best known for Britain’s Got Talent. How does panto compare to singing on TV?
It’s totally different! On TV you perform one song and it’s all over, but panto is a full show – you’re part of a story, interacting with the audience and bouncing off your fellow castmates. There’s nothing quite like hearing the laughter and the kids shouting back. It’s proper live entertainment and I love that.

Damian, what’s your favourite thing about pantomime?
It’s the joy of it all. You can have three generations of the same family in one audience – grandparents, parents, kids – and they’re all laughing at different things. It brings people together, especially at Christmas. It’s pure escapism and we all need that.

There are always some hilarious on-stage moments in panto. Have you had any memorable mishaps over the years?
Damian: Oh, plenty! I once fell off the stage into the orchestra pit – thankfully no harm done, except to my pride. And there’s always the odd prop that doesn’t behave itself. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? The audience love it even more when something goes wrong!

Wendi: I remember a moment when a set piece wouldn’t move and we all had to improvise until it was fixed. The kids thought it was part of the show! It’s what makes live theatre so exciting.

Maxwell, do you have any favourite Christmas traditions?
Yes! For me it’s all about family. We always get together on Christmas Eve, have some food, play games and just enjoy being together. There’s something special about that time of year – and then, of course, I’ll be spending most of it in the theatre this year, which is amazing.

Finally, what can audiences expect from this year’s Aladdin?
Wendi: Magic, sparkle, laughter and a few surprises!

Maxwell: Fantastic songs, amazing costumes and a story everyone knows and loves.

Damian: And, of course, plenty of jokes, lots of audience participation and the best Christmas fun you’ll have all year. We can’t wait to see everyone there.

Aladdin runs at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, from Friday 5 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets available at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.