Courtney Jackson, of Britain’s Got Talent fame, will be making a return to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, for his fourth festive season in this year’s pantomime, Aladdin.

A firm family favourite, Courtney has previously ‘donned the frock’, appearing as the pantomime dame in Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk and last year’s Sleeping Beauty at the Wimborne theatre.

As part of Dame Nation, Courtney wowed TV audiences across the nation as they took Britain’s Got Talent by storm – with Simon Cowell saying the group was like “a Spice Girls reunion, only with better singing!” The group reached the semi-finals of the show.

Courtney said: “I can’t wait to be back in Wimborne for panto this year – the whole town has such a magical family atmosphere at Christmas and the Tivoli has become my second home.

“After a couple of pantomime seasons being affected by lockdowns and the ping-demic, this year’s show is going to get us back on track with big budget special effects seen nowhere else in Dorset!”

Creative Director at Made to Measure Productions, Lee Redwood, said: “We are so excited to be bringing Courtney back for another bumper pantomime season at the Tivoli Theatre. After the last couple of years with smaller or socially distanced audiences due to Covid, we’re hoping that’s all ‘behind us’ and we can’t wait to get back to business, creating the most spectacular pantomime Wimborne’s ever seen. Courtney has been with us at the Tivoli for four years now and has put his own stamp on the role of dame, particularly with his catchphrase – “Alright my luvvers!” – audiences absolutely love him!”

Theatre manager at the Tivoli, Charlie North-Lewis, said: “We are delighted that Made to Measure Productions are bringing back Courtney Jackson as Widow Twankey in this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. He has proven to be one of the very best Dames that we have had here over the past few years. Long may he reign!”

Tegen Jones will also return to the Tivoli this year. Previously playing the villain, this year, she will swap to the good side, playing the magical enchantress Scheherazade. Joining them will be Lee Redwood as Wishee Washee, Alex Oliver as Aladdin and Chaz Murray as Abanazar.

To book, go to www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 885566.