Phil Mitchell set to play The Orchard Theatre's next panto villain in Aladdin (From News Shopper)

Phil Mitchell set to play The Orchard Theatre's next panto villain in Aladdin

11:21am Thursday 19th April 2012 in News By Nikki Jarvis

One of Britain’s hardest men who has terrorised many a soap character has been confirmed as Dartford’s next pantomime villain.

Steve McFadden, aka Phil Mitchell, will lead the cast of this year’s family panto Aladdin at The Orchard Theatre at the end of the year.

The TV bad-guy, who has been in EastEnders for 20 years, will be playing Abanazar in the show.

He said: “I am delighted to be playing the part of Abanazar in Dartford this year. “Playing the pantomime bad-guy is such great fun and there are lots of opportunities to interact with the audience during the show. “The Orchard in Dartford has a great reputation – I’m really looking forward to playing there this Christmas.”

Aladdin features an array of ground-breaking 3D special effects.

Wearing 3D glasses at certain points throughout the show, the audience can rub the magic lamp as it appears in front of their nose, summon the magical 3D Genie from his lamp and join Aladdin on a magic carpet ride.

Jonathan Kiley, executive producer for pantomime giant Qdos Entertainment, said: “As a former British Soap Awards Villain of the Year Steve is certainly well qualified to lead the cast as the pantomime bad-guy.

“With 3D sequences, this production has all of the elements of traditional family pantomime that Dartford audiences have come to expect but also has the added element of an array of outstanding and unmissable visual effects.”

Aladdin runs from Saturday December 8 to Sunday January 6 2013. For tickets call 01322 220000 or visit orchardtheatre.co.uk