Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island brothers AJ and Curtis to star in Leamington panto

They will perform their critically acclaimed roles of the dashing Prince Charming and Dandini this festive season.

Four other cast members have also been announced.

Harry Pudwell and Hollie Smith-Nelson will perform alongside acclaimed panto dames James Mitchell and Harry Howle.

Back by popular demand Hollie, who charmed families as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan last year, swaps fairy wings for glass slippers in the title role. She said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Leamington to play Cinderella.

Last year the audiences were wonderful and made Christmas so special for me, so I can’t wait to do it all again.”

Harry Pudwell returns after earning rave reviews for his 2024 performance as Edgar in Beauty and the Beast, with The Leamington Courier calling him “devilishly hilarious”, this time stepping into the much-loved role of Buttons.

He said: “I am so excited to be back at the Spa Centre this Christmas.

"I loved playing Edgar last time and receiving all the ‘boos’ but to be able to perform Buttons this time is really special as I played it back in 2014 and my nieces still call me Uncle Buttons – even though they’re now adults - full circle moment or what.

"See you there gang.”

Award-winning performer Harry Howle joins much-loved Napton-based Dame James Mitchell as the Wicked Stepsisters, with the pair promising quick-fire comedy, outrageous costumes and plenty of chaos throughout the festive run.

James said: “I can’t wait to get uglified.

"I’m looking forward to being booed by the audiences of Leamington.

Harry Howle added: “I’m delighted to be bringing my award-winning Ugly Sister to tLeamington this Christmas.

"Get ready for fabulous costumes, dazzling sets and lots of naughtiness.”

Cinderella is produced by Coventry-based Imagine Theatre, which has presented the Spa Centre pantomime for more than 15 years.

Steve Boden, Imagine’s joint CEO and managing director, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve secured the returning talents of Hollie and Harry, alongside two brilliant panto performers, James Mitchell and Harry Howle, who, together with AJ and Curtis, will bring all their panto magic and antics to the Spa Centre stage this December.

"The Leamington pantomime is one of the most successful in any UK town, and we look forward to building on that success even further this year.”

Poor Cinderella toils night and day, dreaming of a very different life.

When a royal invitation arrives, it seems her wish for a brighter future might finally come true.

But will her Wicked Stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness?

Or can her Fairy Godmother – with a little help from the ever-cheerful Buttons – work their magic in time?

Everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches tale will feature all the ingredients audiences know and love from the Spa Centre panto – slapstick comedy, dazzling musical numbers and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.

The clock is ticking so dust off your glad-rags and book your tickets today for this magical festive treat for the while family.

The show runs from December 4 2026 to January 3 2027.

Tickets are available to buy online now from https://warwickdc.ticketsolve.com