Since joining the BRIT award-winning boy-band Blue in 2001, Simon Webbe and his band-mates went on to sell over 14 million records worldwide, releasing five critically acclaimed studio albums and headlined several UK tours. In 2011, to coincide with their tenth year in the music industry, Blue represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with their entry I Can. Whilst Blue took a well-earned break, Simon launched his own solo albums and singles and his career saw him take to the West End stage in Sister Act the Musical, alongside Shelia Hancock and Whoopi Goldberg and Three Little Pigs at the Palace Theatre.
Simon’s numerous television appearances include Strictly Come Dancing where he was a runner-up in the 2014 series, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, and ITV2’s The Big Reunion. In 2015 Simon made his pantomime debut for Qdos Entertainment starring as Aladdin opposite Christopher Biggins in Nottingham and since then has starred in Jack and the Beanstalk in Northampton and High Wycombe. Last year he released his third studio album, Smile.
Simon will play the title role of Aladdin opposite Billy Pearce as his hilarious, hapless brother Wishee Washee. Aladdin marks Billy’s 20th Alhambra Theatre pantomime, an achievement recently marked at the Welcome to Yorkshire conference staged at the theatre where Billy became the second ever recipient of their Pride of Yorkshire award for his services to Bradford pantomime.
Starring alongside them as their mother is ultimate pantomime dame Christopher Biggins in his 32nd pantomime appearance, with Aladdin marking his ninth trip to Old Peking where he will take up residence of the iconic laundry and star as Widow Twankey.
Simon, Billy and Biggins will be joined by an array of fantastic actors, dancers and musicians, backed by the juvenile dance troupe, The Sunbeams, who last year celebrated their centenary year appearing in the annual Alhambra Theatre pantomime.
Adam Renton General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“With the announcement of Simon Webbe joining the line-up here in Bradford, we have a fantastic addition to our headline cast for this year’s pantomime. Simon’s stunning vocals will complement the much-loved comedy routines and talents of experienced performers, Biggins and Billy, and I’m sure they’ll make a formidable team. The combination of this superb cast, alongside the Alhambra Theatre’s reputation for providing outstanding entertainment for all ages, makes Aladdin the must-see pantomime this Christmas.”
With tickets continuing to fly out of the Box Office, audiences shouldn’t leave it any longer to book their tickets for this year’s must-see production packed full of audience participation, laughter, music, a wish-granting genie and plenty of panto magic!
