Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Budding actors are preparing to tread the boards of Mansfield’s Palace Theatre with the much-anticipated return of their annual pantomime.

Members of the Mansfield Hospitals Theatre Troupe will be performing Aladdin at the town’s Palace Theatre later this month.

It marks a return to pantomime for the group – which has raised more than £150,000 for charities over the last 40 years – after it took the decision not to stage pantos in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.

Deborah Wilson, MHTT chairman, who has been with the troupe for over 20 years, said: “This is our first show for two years and it’s been really difficult getting the momentum going again. We lost a few members during the pandemic.

The troupe's last panto was Peter Pan, in 2020.

“Trevor Morley, who had many roles in the troupe, sadly died, so we are actually dedicating this year’s show to him and his wife June.

“It’s very sad, but also nice we can remember them in this way.”

Aladdin, which begins on Saturday, January 28, promises “madness and mayhem” in abundance, along with a whole heap of the usual panto songs and silliness.

Deborah said: “We have a very funny dame – Trevor Brownley. He is definitely not a dame in his real life, he is actually a celebrant who conducts funerals in Mansfield, so it’s brilliant to see him transform into the most amazing character on stage.

Aladdin opens later this month at Mansfield Palace Theatre.

“It’s a great cast all round this year, full of really nice people.”

MHTT has been running since 1979, raising money for local good causes which benefit the community.

During that time, the troupe has raised more than £150,000 for the likes of Portland College, Link Club 2000, King’s Mill Hospital and more.

Through its annual pantomime, the troupe’s target is to donate about £5,000 to local good causes each year.

10 of the most desirable places to live in the Mansfield and Ashfield area

Aladdin can be seen at Mansfield Palace Theatre, Leeming Street, Mansfield town centre, on Saturday, January 28, at 2.15pm; Monday-Friday, January 30-February 3, at 7.15pm; and on Saturday, February 4, with shows at 2.15pm and 7.15pm.

Tickets, priced at £10 each, are available now from the theatre box office on 01623 633133.

Alternatively, you can buy tickets online bit.ly/3IYDipe – all proceeds will go to local charities.

Mansfield theatre troupe makes magical return after two years with panto favourite Aladdin