Andre Vincent is to star in the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Aladdin.

Hollyoaks actress Lucy Dixon is swapping Chester for the magical world of Arabia to join the cast of this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Aladdin.

Lucy Dixon is to star in the Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Aladdin.

Lucy, who stars in the Channel Four soap, will take the lead role in the pantomime which will run from December 18 to January 19. She first shot to fame playing pupil Danielle Harker in the BBC’s school-set drama Waterloo Road, before moving to Hollyoaks last summer to play student Tilly Evans.

Also joining her in Aladdin will be panto comedian Andrè Vincent who, it has just been announced, will be back in Norwich for the fourth year running and will play Wishee Washee. André, who is one half of topical comedy show Early Edition with Marcus Brigstocke, has had a varied career doing everything from clowning to supporting Bob Hope in Ohio to playing himself in children’s TV show Byker Grove.

The pair join the already-announced Aladdin cast-members Graham Cole (who played PC Tony Stamp in The Bill), actor and professional wrestler Nick Aldis, and pantomime regular Richard Gauntlett, who will play the panto dame and also write and direct the show, sponsored this year by Almary Green.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “The two latest casting announcements are going to help make this year’s show one to remember. We are really excited to be welcoming Lucy to the city to star in the festive spectacular. Add André into the mix with his distinctive brand of off-the-wall comedy and Aladdin looks like being a panto to remember once again. Oh yes it does!”

• Aladdin is at Norwich Theatre Royal from December 18 until January 19. To book tickets call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

• Are you involved in a new arts project in Norwich? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01602 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk