The all-star line-up for this year’s Crewe Lyceum panto has been announced.
This year’s cast will include tv personality Louie Spence, Coronation Street’s Jamie Kenna, Channel 5 presenter Kiera-Nicole and Crewe panto favourite Malcolm Lord.
Rhys Hopkin, theatre director, said: “We’re delighted to bring a star-studded cast to Cheshire this festive season.
“With Louie Spence leading the cast and our favourite dame Malcolm Lord returning for his sixth consecutive year, Aladdin is going to be another pantomime to be proud of.
“Crewe panto is an unmissable family tradition.”
Louie Spence
Louie has a career in performance spanning many years.
As a graduate of the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts he began working as a backing dancer on tours for artists such as Bjork and The Spice Girls.
He also starred in top West End musicals such as Cats and Closer to Heaven, and was part of the award-winning original cast of Miss Saigon.
His appearance in the popular docu-soap series Pineapple Dance Studios in 2010 made him a household name.
Since then, Louie has been on tv shows including Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Big Brother and The Jump.
He returned to the stage to huge acclaim in panto last year in Swindon and is delighted to be back this Christmas in Crewe!
Louie said: “I can’t wait to play Genie of the Ring in this year’s pantomime Aladdin at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe!”
Jamie Kenna
Joining Louie is Coronation Street’s Jamie Kenna, playing the Evil Abanazar.
Currently on the cobbles in Coronation Street as Phil Whittaker, Jamie is a consummate actor, singer and performer having appeared in many theatre productions – including Mamma Mia, To Kill a Mockingbird and War Horse.
Jamie is also a star of the silver screen appearing in Hollywood blockbusters including Green Street Hooligans, Blitz and The Bank Job.
He’s also appeared in many popular TV series including Peaky Blinders, Minder, Law & Order: UK, Mount Pleasant and most recently His Dark Materials.
Jamie said: “I’ve never played Crewe Lyceum before but have visited and it’s a beautiful venue. I can’t wait to get on stage there.
“They say you’re not a true actor until you’ve changed trains at Crewe and when I left drama school I always had that in my mind, I remember the first time I changed trains at Crewe and thought I’ve made it! So, it has a very special place in my heart.
“I’m hoping to bring a lot of humour to my very evil Abanazar and really looking forward to your best and biggest boos to raise the roof this Christmas.
“It’s going to be raucous hilarious fun. Make sure you join us!”
Kiera-Nicole
Taking the role of Jasmine is children’s TV star Kiera-Nicole.
At just 18 years old, Kiera-Nicole became the youngest presenter on Channel 5 regularly hosting popular children’s strand Milkshake.
Alongside her regular appearances on Milkshake, Kiera is also presenting two live tours.
She’s looking forward to playing Jasmine and bringing panto magic to the stage, as she does every year when panto season arrives.
Malcolm Lord
Joining Louie, Jamie and Kiera this year is Crewe’s favourite dame, Malcolm Lord as Widow Twankey.
This will be Malcolm’s sixth consecutive panto at Crewe Lyceum and the 35th of his career.
Malcolm has worked extensively in all aspects of theatre and television, playing a wide variety of roles, but his main claim to fame is appearing for 13 years in the classic children’s programme Rainbow.
He initially played George the pink hippo, and then took on the role of Bungle Bear.
