Theatre News

Baywatch Pam in Liverpool panto

American celebrity Pamela Anderson has been confirmed to appear as the Genie of the Lamp in the Liverpool Empire’s production of Aladdin at the end of the year.

Anderson, who played CJ Parker in the television show Baywatch and caused controversy for making a pornographic home video in 1998 with her then-husband Tommy Lee, returns to pantomime following her appearance in the same role at the New Wimbledon Theatre last Christmas.

The actress, who turns 43 years old next month, said: “I had a fantastic time performing in my very first pantomime last year in Wimbledon and I was thrilled to be invited to play the Genie once again. It will be a chance to have a lot of fun, to see some old friends and to make some new ones.

“In particular, I am very excited about spending some time in Liverpool – a city I have never visited before. I read about it being the European Capital of Culture for 2008 – and I am a Beatles fan of course! But my friends in the UK tell me there is so much more to the city besides and that I am really going to have a great time. I even had a chance to check in with my friend Henry Winkler (who played Captain Hook at the Empire in <i>Peter Pan</i> last year) and he had nothing but great things to say about the people and the city. I am very excited –see you soon!”

Producers of the show, First Family Entertainment, has also cast Liverpool actor Les Dennis as Wishee Washee, who makes a return to the Empire following his appearance in Peter Pan.

Aladdin runs from Friday 10 December 2010 to Sunday 2 January 2011. Ticket prices are £15-£28.50.