BREAKING: MARK AND DAVID RETURN

We’ve been rubbing that magic lamp for months – and now our dreams have come true!

Magical MARK RHODES and DAVID PHIPPS-DAVIS are back, back, BACK for this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Aladdin.

After three sell-out pantomime seasons together, including last year’s record-breaking Sleeping Beauty, the much-loved duo are returning to whisk audiences away on a magic carpet ride packed with adventure and classic panto chaos.
Double BAFTA award-winning presenter, actor and performer Mark will once more be taking on the traditional panto comic role.

Best known as one half of the hugely successful CBBC duo Sam & Mark, Mark has been a familiar face on British television for more than two decades, presenting shows including Crackerjack, Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up, TMI and Junior Bake Off.

Alongside his television career, Mark has built a reputation as a hugely popular live performer and pantomime star, winning audiences over year after year with his infectious energy and comic timing.
Returning alongside him is celebrated panto dame David Phipps-Davis. A firm favourite with Stafford audiences, David has enjoyed an extensive stage career spanning opera – yes, opera! – musical theatre and pantomime, with credits including productions at Sadler’s Wells, the Crucible Theatre Sheffield and theatres across the UK.
Mark said: ‘I love performing at the Gatehouse because the Stafford audiences are always so warm, funny and completely up for joining in so it gets sillier every year. Every year the atmosphere gets bigger and better.

‘Working with David again is brilliant because we know exactly how to bounce off each other on stage. He’s a panto genius and we’ve got loads of surprises in store this year!’

David added ‘I am delighted to be back with Mark again this year – our relationship works so well because we find each other funny!

‘Also, we do very different things – Mark is the silly one who is primarily there for the kids (and the mums, lol) and I’m the naughty one who is primarily there for the grown-ups (especially the dads, lol).’

This year David will also be taking on the writing of the script. ‘I’m thrilled to be writing the script in Stafford this year!

‘I have a relationship with the venue and the audience at the Gatehouse so I think I know what they want and what they like – hopefully I’m not wrong!

‘I always like to know who I am writing for and that totally changes how I write the script. One thing I am planning for this year is for Mark to have a big song, after all he has had a UK number one!’

Gary Stevens, Gatehouse General Manager, says: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Mark and David back to the Gatehouse. Our audiences love seeing them in panto together and we know this year’s Aladdin is going to be our biggest and funniest pantomime yet.’

Produced once again by the award-winning Imagine Theatre, climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin!
Filled with side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, this pantomime has all the ingredients for the ultimate Christmas treat.

Will Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, claim his fortune, and win the heart of his true love? Join us to find out in a spellbinding adventure bursting with laughter, wonder, and festive cheer for the whole family.

Create unforgettable memories with friends and family over the festive season. Book your tickets now before they fly out of the door!

The Gatehouse Theatre is operated by Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable not-for-profit leisure trusts, in partnership with Stafford Borough Council.