Coronation Street’s Peter Ash Prepares for Villainous Christmas Role in Aladdin at Rhyl Pavilion
Coronation Street's Peter Ash plays Abanazer in Aladdin at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre this December. Full cast, performance dates, tickets and booking details.
Former Coronation Street star Peter Ash is preparing to swap Weatherfield for a very different role this Christmas, playing the villainous Abanazer in Aladdin at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.
With just over a month until opening night, the production brings together stars from Hollyoaks, Casualty and Britain’s Got Talent for a festive run from 5 to 31 December 2026.
Peter Ash Takes on Aladdin’s Villain
Peter, best known for playing Paul Foreman in Coronation Street, will take on Abanazer, the scheming character who promises Aladdin untold riches in exchange for retrieving a mysterious magic lamp.
His portrayal of Paul earned him two National Television Awards, including Serial Drama Performance in 2024. Peter’s other television credits include Hollyoaks and Footballers’ Wives, while his stage work includes War Horse and Picture of You.
Joining him is former Hollyoaks actress and Loose Women panellist Kelle Bryan, who plays the Spirit of the Ring. Kelle rose to fame with the group Eternal before portraying Martine Devereux in the Channel 4 soap.
Familiar Television Faces Join the Cast
Casualty actress Amanda Henderson returns to Rhyl as Mrs Twankey, having previously appeared in several pantomimes at the venue. Amanda, who played nurse Robyn Miller in the BBC medical drama, won a UK Pantomime Award in 2023 for her performance in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler will also appear alongside her miniature poodle Tapas, taking on the role of the Empress.
Alex Aram plays Aladdin, with Indiya Payne as Princess Jasmine and returning performer Dan Whitley as Wally.
Audiences can expect traditional pantomime comedy, elaborate costumes and special effects, including a flying carpet.
Rhyl Pavilion Celebrates 35 Years
This year’s production also marks the 35th anniversary of Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, which opened in 1991. Its first Christmas pantomime was Dick Whittington, starring Catchphrase presenter Roy Walker and Home and Away actress Cordelia Frances.
Since then, the venue has welcomed performers including Sherrie Hewson, Su Pollard, Sonia, Ruth Madoc and John Thomson.
The 2026 production is the theatre’s seventh staging of Aladdin and its fifth consecutive Christmas pantomime produced by Anton Benson Productions.
Aladdin Tickets and Performance Dates
Aladdin runs from Saturday 5 December to Thursday 31 December 2026 at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, East Parade, Rhyl, North Wales.
Tickets start at £26, with family, group and concession options available. Performances take place at various times throughout December.
For the full schedule and bookings, visit the official Rhyl Pavilion Theatre website.
Image credit: Rhyl Pavilion Theatre / Anton Benson Productions.
