Towngate Theatre panto Aladdin: young ensemble auditions announced!

Following the ★★★★★ success of 2025-26’s Sleeping Beauty, preparations are already well underway
for the Towngate Theatre’s genie-us pantomime for 2026-27 – Aladdin! On Sunday 14 June 2026, they
will once again be offering local children the opportunity to star in their upcoming sparkling panto
production, which earns the Basildon-based theatre rave reviews year-on-year.

For anyone interested in participating, the open auditions will be held at the Towngate Theatre, located on St. Martin’s Square in Basildon’s town centre. They are open to children aged from 9 to 15 years (on 1st September 2026), all auditionees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Further information, including the Registration Form and Performance Schedule, can be found under the Auditions section on the Towngate’s website.

Towngate Theatre Manager and Co-Producer, Simon Scott-Pearce, says:

“We are so excited to bring the magical tale of Aladdin to Essex! What really makes a pantomime extra special is the ‘sparkle’ that our talented Young Ensemble always bring to the stage. We can’t wait to see what the Essex youngsters have in store for us at our Open Auditions Day in June! Over the years, the Towngate have been passionate in providing a platform for the youth of Basildon to take part in the pantomime as the Young Ensemble, and we are very proud to continue that tradition. The Towngate’s pantomimes are an Essex family-favourite and the start of many a Basildonian’s Christmas celebration. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for you with Aladdin!”

The Towngate’s award-winning, critically-acclaimed pantomimes are the jewel in the crown of Essex. Their breathtaking pantomime productions are renowned for their stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic live band at every performance. Each show is a non-stop, musical spectacular that is not to be missed!

Audience favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will be back for more panto fun as the dastardly villain
Abanazar and lovable Widow Twankey. This will be Sophie’s 18th year performing in the Towngate’s pantomimes, and Ian’s 6th year as their fabulous Dame.

Working alongside the five-star award-winning team at Evolution Productions, the Towngate’s fabulous
family panto for 2026 promises to make all your wishes come true – with all the fun, mayhem and magic
that audiences have come to expect from a Towngate pantomime.

Tickets are already selling fast and beating all previous Box Office records, so book now for this genie-us panto, before all the tickets fly away!

Aladdin runs at the Towngate Theatre from Thursday 26 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027. To book tickets, visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300. All the Audition information can be found on: Auditions | Towngate Theatre

Photo credit: Fiona Whyte Photography