Paul Merton to play Widow Twankey in New Wimbledon Theatre's 2018 pantomime

Have I Got News For You panellist, comedian and presenter Paul Merton will make his live pantomime debut this Christmas in Wimbledon.

Donning the Widow Twankey heels for the first time on stage in the New Wimbledon Theatre's production of Aladdin, the show runs from 11 December to 6 January with previews from 8 December.

Merton previously appeared in four television pantomimes in the late '90s, but this new production will mark the first time he has performed live. Merton is no stranger to the stage, with his improv comedy group Impro Chums regularly touring to venues across the UK.

Aside from his over 30-year spell on Have I Got News For You alongside fellow panellist Ian Hislop, Merton is the second-longest serving panellist on Radio 4's Just A Minute.

Last Christmas, the venue welcomed Al Murray who made his pantomime debut in their production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Aladdin runs at New Wimbledon Theatre from 11 December to 6 January with previews from 8 December.

Buy tickets for New Wimbledon Theatre's Aladdin