Stafford Gatehouse Theatre have announced that both Mark Rhodes and David Phipps-Davis will return for this year's 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)."

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."

Aladdin shows at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from 4 December 2026 - 3 January 2027. Book your tickets on 01785 619080 or at gatehousetheatre.co.uk