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Jacob Bailey is delighted to be back in pantomime in Portsmouth as PC World in Aladdin at the Kings Theatre from December 5-31.

He was first at The Kings in Jack in the Beanstalk in 2021 and has kept on coming back to the venue ever since: “I wouldn't if I didn't enjoy it. The people of Portsmouth are just fantastic. They are always a great pantomime audience. They really love it and they are always really up for it.

“I've performed in panto before coming to Portsmouth and if you can't get the crowd involved then there's no point but in Portsmouth they're always really ready, really keen, and I think when you are doing pantomime, the audience is always such a big part of the experience. The more you put into it, the more involved they get and the better it is for everyone.”

Of course, it also helps that it is just such a great pantomime venue: “It is a brilliant old traditional theatre and it's just the perfect place to do it.”

placeholder image — Jacob - Photo Credit Steve Spurgin

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As for PC World: “He's a policeman on old Albert Road. He doesn't like jokes and he doesn't like laughter. He is Jasmine’s bodyguard and you're not allowed to speak to the princess unless you are royalty. It is a great part to play.”

And for Jacob, it is all very much on home territory: “The Kings Theatre has hired me as their production assistant. I now work at The Kings. I never thought that living in Portsmouth was remotely on the cards for me. I am really excited about it. I never thought I would end up down here. All my family are up in Liverpool. You couldn’t get further away. But I live down here now and my whole life is now in Portsmouth.

Pictured: Cast of the Aladdin including Rustie Lee as Genie and Shaun Williamson | Habibur Rahman

“I got involved in The Kings’ Theatre community programme and I help with all the community shows. We did Annie back in April and I was assistant director and also production assistant. And we had The Full Monty which was great. I love being part of the theatre at that level.”

At The Kings this year, Jack Edwards is back as Widow Twankey, back with his Man Cam, keeping everyone laughing as Twankey flirts and searches for a new boyfriend. EastEnders favourite Shaun Williamson is also in the cast as wicked Aba-Barry-Nazer. Rustie Lee makes her Portsmouth debut as the Genie of the Lamp.

Leo Abad is a daring Aladdin, Leonie Wall will be our as Princess Jasmine, and Esme Bowdler enchants as the Spirit of the Ring.

To book tickets visit the Kings Theatre website.