Portsmouth’s leading creative team welcomes acclaimed director Michael Strassen and Olivier-nominated choreographer Mark Smith.
Portsmouth Theatres are proud to unveil a world-class creative team for their 2025 pantomime season at Theatre Royal and The Kings Theatre, with the announcement of two exciting additions: multi-award-winning director Michael Strassen and Olivier-nominated choreographer Mark Smith.
These two major talents join an already established and highly skilled creative team, making an exceptional lineup even more powerful. With a trusted foundation of experienced creatives returning from past successful seasons, and now the addition of these celebrated figures, Portsmouth’s festive productions are set to be among the strongest and most artistically ambitious in the UK this Christmas.
Michael Strassen will direct both productions: Snow White at Theatre Royal and Aladdin at The Kings Theatre. Mark Smith will choreograph Snow White, bringing his internationally acclaimed approach to movement to the Theatre Royal stage. Their creative vision will complement and amplify the work of the existing team helping to deliver productions that are as artistically compelling as they are joyously entertaining.
At the musical helm is Andrew Woodford, who returns as Musical Supervisor for both shows and Musical Director for Aladdin. A widely respected figure in musical theatre, Andrew continues to bring his trademark energy, musicality, and precision to Portsmouth’s pantomime season. Alongside him, Adam Blosse returns as Musical Director for Snow White, with a proven track record of delivering vibrant, high-quality musical performances year after year.
On the choreographic front, Becky Herzenhorn once again brings her dynamic and energetic style to Aladdin at the Kings Theatre, while the inclusion of Mark Smith for Snow White introduces a bold, visually striking movement language, informed by Smith’s celebrated work with Deaf Men Dancing and across leading UK stages.
Also returning are two much-loved pantomime stars in pivotal creative roles. Jack Edwards, an acclaimed director and seasoned performer, will not only reprise his beloved role as Dame in Aladdin, but also serve as Artistic Director and Head of Production on the show, bringing his deep theatrical understanding of the panto genre and his brilliant chemistry with the Pompey audiences and acclaimed comic skills. Over at the Theatre Royal, Julia Worsley, known for her powerful stage presence, will play the Wicked Queen in Snow White while also Assistant Directing, reinforcing a shared artistic identity across both venues and proudly marking these pantomimes as Portsmouth Theatre productions.
Together, these returning creatives form a core team whose talent, experience, and collaborative spirit have been central to Portsmouth Theatres’ recent successes. Their continued involvement ensures continuity and consistency across both venues and creates a strong artistic framework that allows for innovation and growth.
The arrival of Strassen and Smith builds on this excellence, bringing fresh energy and high-profile credentials to an already outstanding team.
While both productions share the same creative excellence, they each offer something uniquely special for audiences. Aladdin at the Kings Theatre is a large-scale spectacular, staged in a grand 1,400-seat venue known for its lavish sets, showstopping musical numbers, and big theatrical moments — ideal for those who love their pantomime with all the bells and whistles. In contrast, Snow White at the more intimate 500-seat Theatre Royal offers a different kind of magic. With its historic charm and up-close connection to the action, it delivers an exuberant, character-driven experience that’s equally rich in storytelling and production value, but with a warmth and immediacy all its own.
Each show offers a completely different festive experience – making them the perfect double bill for anyone wanting to enjoy the full magic of pantomime this Christmas.
Together, they showcase the breadth of Portsmouth Theatres’ festive offering and ensure there’s truly something for everyone this Christmas.
The synergy of established talent and new creative leadership marks an exciting evolution for Portsmouth Theatres and demonstrates a commitment to not only maintaining the high standards of recent years but raising the bar even further.
Audiences across the city can expect a magical festive season filled with music, laughter, spectacle, and storytelling of the highest order all brought to life by one of the most experienced and dynamic creative teams working in UK regional theatre today.
