The Hawth’s Christmas pantomime will have a different dame this year, with Matthew Kelly playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin following Michael J Batchelor’s departure after 12 years at the Crawley theatre.
The change also follows the end of Evolution Productions’ 13-year run producing The Hawth’s pantomimes. This year’s production is presented by Parkwood Theatres and The Hawth and runs from 5 to 31 December 2026.
Kelly stars opposite Linda Lusardi as Abanazar, joined by Cat Sandion as the Spirit of the Ring, Darius James as Aladdin, Matt Rixon as the Emperor and Lucy Kane as Princess Jasmine.
At a glance
| Where | The Hawth |
|---|---|
| When | 5 to 31 December 2026 |
| Tickets | Select a performance for seat prices |
Why is Michael J Batchelor not returning?
The departure was announced in March, rather than being a last-minute cast change. In statements reported by SussexWorld, Batchelor said his contract with Evolution Productions meant he would move on when the company stopped producing The Hawth’s pantomime.
Evolution is run by Paul Hendy and Emily Wood. Hendy thanked audiences for supporting its productions over 13 years and described the departure as the end of an era.
Parkwood’s director of programmes and productions, Mark Thompson, said Batchelor had been offered the opportunity to return but had decided to move on. He said Evolution’s contract had reached its natural conclusion and thanked both the company and Batchelor for their contribution.
Who is in The Hawth’s Aladdin cast?
Matthew Kelly as Widow Twankey
Kelly is widely recognised as the former presenter of Stars in Their Eyes and You Bet!. His theatre career includes an Olivier Award-winning performance as Lennie in Of Mice and Men, recorded by Official London Theatre.
Linda Lusardi as Abanazar
Lusardi’s television acting credits include Emmerdale, The Bill and Brookside, alongside her earlier modelling career. Her agency biography details that screen work. At The Hawth she plays the villain seeking Aladdin’s lamp.
CBeebies and musical theatre performers
Cat Sandion plays the Spirit of the Ring. Younger viewers may know her from CBeebies, including Justin’s House. Matt Rixon plays the Emperor following his role as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Lucy Kane, known from The Voice, is Princess Jasmine, with Darius James in the title role.
The official Hawth listing confirms the following principal cast.
| Performer | Role |
|---|---|
| Matthew Kelly | Widow Twankey |
| Linda Lusardi | Abanazar |
| Cat Sandion | Spirit of the Ring |
| Matt Rixon | The Emperor |
| Lucy Kane | Princess Jasmine |
| Darius James | Aladdin |
What is the production?
The lamp, a magic carpet and Abanazar’s attempt to seize its power provide the adventure, with Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey bringing the laundry-based comedy.
Parkwood Theatres and The Hawth present this production. It is a separate staging from Brighton Family Panto’s Aladdin at the Metropole, so check the venue as well as the title when booking.
Tickets and access performances
A relaxed performance takes place on Saturday 12 December at 10.30am. The Saturday 19 December performance at 2.30pm is listed as audio-described, BSL-interpreted and captioned.
Use the official calendar to choose a seat and check the total payable. If you need a wheelchair space or companion seating, discuss the requirements with the theatre rather than selecting an unsuitable standard seat.
How to get there
Address: The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ.
The Hawth offers free on-site parking on a first-come basis and asks visitors to allow extra time for busy shows. Crawley and Three Bridges stations provide onward taxi connections; use Metrobus’s journey planner for buses serving the area. The venue also provides covered cycle parking.
Check the venue and visitor information.
Planning another outing
- County Mall, Crawley for a separate daytime visit; check the location and opening times against your performance.
- Sussex Christmas markets for festive shopping; event dates vary.
- Sussex Christmas light trails for other seasonal outings and their booking requirements.
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