Almost 60% of tickets have already been sold for this year’s festive family treat at Mansfield Palace Theatre — its annual pantomime, which this year is a production of Aladdin.

Taking the role of Widow Twankey at the Leeming Street venue this year will be UK Productions’ panto favourite, Ben Harlow (right), who said: “I enjoyed a successful Christmas season last year as Widow Twankey at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, and am delighted to be reprising the role this year in Mansfield.”

Away from pantomime, he has starred as the UPS Guy in the UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde; Sam Carmichael in the smash-hit ABBA musical, Mamma Mia; and Gaston in the original international tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Ben will be starring alongside Mansfield panto regular, comedian Adam Moss, who is playing Wishee Washee in hi 11th season at the Palace.
Joining Ben and Adam to headline the cast is James Mackenzie, who will become the villain of the piece, Abanazar.

James is probably best known for his role as Raven in the multi BAFTA award-winning CBBC series of the same name. In the last few years, he has also been introduced to a new generation as James in the smash hit CBeebies series Molly and Mack.

To book tickets go to mansfieldpalace.co.uk or by visiting or call the Box Office on 01623 463133 or drop-in at te theatre in person.