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Australian drag superstar Courtney Act announced as star of Brighton Family Panto

Australian drag superstar Courtney Act announced as star of Brighton Family Panto
Courtney Act (left) with David Hill

Celebrity Big Brother winner and Australian drag superstar Courtney Act is the exciting star of the Brighton Family Panto's 10th Birthday show. 

Producer and Director David Hill says this is his biggest coup in ten years of bringing panto to the city each December.

Courtney is coming from Australia to play the Genie of the Ring and her twin sister the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin, running from 22-30 December at Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole on the seafront.

She flew into Brighton on Tuesday for a costume fitting and panto photo shoot.

David said: "This is fantastic news for Brighton - first, that we are celebrating ten years of panto in Brighton, and second that I have managed to secure Courtney, famous across the world and coming to Brighton this Christmas. It's amazing for the city."

Courtney Act (left) with David Hill

Courtney says that Brighton has always held a special place in her heart.

She said: "I've had little dalliances with Brighton over the years, but this Christmas I'm fully committing for a cozy winter romance.

"There is nowhere more vibrant and full of life in the UK, and I cannot wait to bring a little magic to the stage as Genie in Aladdin.

"I've got my winter coat and Uggs, Brighton, and I'm ready for a gorgeous panto season."

It's been ten years since E3 Events started panto in Brighton with its original production of Cinderella at The Hilton.

Owner David said: "Over this period, we have worked so hard to deliver a bigger and better show each year, and Aladdin will be our most ambitious and spectacular production to date.

"We are thrilled that Courtney is joining the cast, playing not one but two genies. You can expect thrills, plenty of spills and barrels of laughter and silliness.

"It's a milestone year so we are pulling out all the stops."

Just like Aladdin, tickets are flying and our Early Bird offer ends at midnight on the 1 June so grab them now!

Go to Aladdin 2026 - Brighton's GIANT Family Panto

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