The cast for this year’s Marlowe Theatre pantomime has been announced, including former Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton.

The Canterbury theatre, known for hosting Kent’s biggest panto production, has confirmed that the dancer and stage performer will play the role of Abanazer.

Aladdin, the theatre’s 2023 Christmas production, will mark the Strictly pro’s panto debut.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be returning to The Marlowe for Aladdin!” says the 40-year-old. “This will be my first ever pantomime, and I’m so excited that I get to play the baddie! It’ll be totally different from anything I’ve done before, and I can’t wait to revel in all the boos and hisses.

“After performing in Canterbury with Strictly Ballroom and Rock of Ages, I knew I had to come back. Canterbury is going to be the perfect place to soak up the festive cheer! Get ready for some villainous dance moves and a whole lot of fun.”

Kevin Clifton first rose to fame after joining the cast of Strictly in 2013.

He won the glitterball trophy with documentary maker Stacey Dooley in 2018. The pair began a relationship shortly after the show and now share a daughter, Minnie, born in January this year.

Since announcing his departure from the show in 2020, the four-time British Latin Champion has appeared in touring musical theatre productions such as Strictly Ballroom, Rock of Ages and War of the Worlds.

Although this year will be Kevin’s first panto appearance his sister, Joanne Clifton, starred in the Marlowe’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk two years ago.

The cast of Aladdin will also feature panto favourite Ben Roddy as Dame Dolly.

The award-winning panto dame will be making his 14th appearance in the Canterbury pantomime this Christmas.

Phil Gallagher, also known as Mister Maker on Cbeebies, will also be returning to the Marlowe Theatre this year.

Stage performers Alistair So, who has appeared in Matilda and Anything Goes, and Lauren Chia, who starred in the Disney production of Aladdin in London, will be playing loved-up couple Aladdin and Princess Jasmine.

The Marlowe Theatre’s chief executive Deborah Shaw said: “The scale and quality of The Marlowe’s pantomime continues to grow year on year and cement The Marlowe’s reputation as having one of the UK’s most impressive pantomimes.

“This year’s cast is full of West End performers and Marlowe legends that bring a wealth of talent and stellar credentials to the stage. ”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online here or by calling 01227 787787.

The show will run from Friday, November 24 2023 to Sunday, January 7 2024.