Baywatch Pam & Lily Savage Share Panto Lamp

As pantomime casting goes, this has got to be the splashiest. Pamela Anderson, the pneumatic blonde Hollywood pin-up best remembered as lifeguard CJ Parker from the 1990s American TV series Baywatch, will play the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin at the New Wimbledon Theatre this Christmas.

But that’s not all. In a further twist, Anderson will pass on her lamp in the new year to Paul O’Grady, aka fellow famous blonde Lily Savage. In what the theatre believes to be a casting first in pantomime history, Anderson and O’Grady will be just two of the celebrities who will play the role in the production in a succession of guest star appearances. Anderson is on stage in south London from 13 to 27 December 2009, and O’Grady from 5 to 10 January 2010.

Aladdin runs at New Wimbledon from 4 December to 17 January. The core, unchanging cast will be led by Brian Blessed as the evil Abanazar. Further casting, including the full rota of Genie guest stars, is still to be announced.

The First Family Entertainment production, sponsored by Robinson’s, will mark the pantomime return for O’Grady, previously an annual festive fixture, after a four-year absence. He said: “I am really excited to be back in panto this year having not done one for some time. This is also the first time I’ll be playing a goodie as I’ve been the villain in most of my other stage roles. Having made a living frightening children, it’s probably time I aired my softer side. If I can find one in time”.