Manchester Opera House’s Christmas panto, Aladdin, stars Alexandra Burke as The Spirit of The Ring, joined by returning comedian Ben Nickless as hapless Wishee Washee.
It’s a panto première for Alexandra after establishing herself as one of the UK’s leading ladies having starred in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Chess and Chicago and is currently The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at London Palladium.
She first rose to fame 13 years ago, winning the fifth series of X Factor in 2008 while duetting with her idol Beyoncé.
Rochdale-born Ben started his working life playing the comedy clubs in the North West and his career took off in 2006 when he performed his own style of comedy and impressions on BBC’s Let Me Entertain You.
Further casting will be announced.
Aladdin runs from December 11 to January 2.