From Lifetime Achievement to the Magic Lamp: Meet Aladdin's Genie of the Lamp, Nicola Blackman

October is Black History Month – a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black people and communities, both past and present.

Here at Westlands, we're marking the occasion by shining a spotlight on someone who has made a significant contribution to the world of theatre and entertainment – and who, this Christmas, will be bringing a little bit of magic to our stage.

Meet Nicola Blackman, our Genie of the Lamp in this year's spectacular pantomime, Aladdin.

 

With a career spanning decades, Nicola has built an impressive reputation as a performer, appearing across theatre, television and entertainment. Her contribution to the industry was recognised in 2025 when she received the Black British Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award – a remarkable accolade celebrating an extraordinary career.

But there's clearly plenty more magic still to come.

This Christmas, Nicola joins the cast of Aladdin at Westlands, alongside Jack Glanville as Widow Twankey and Kevin James as Frankie Twankey, for a festive adventure packed with comedy, music, mayhem and, of course, a little bit of magic.

We caught up with Nicola to talk about her career, Black History Month, representation in theatre, her Lifetime Achievement Award and what audiences can expect when she steps into the lamp...

A career to celebrate

For many performers, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award would be the perfect opportunity to look back on a career filled with memorable performances and milestones.

For Nicola, the BBTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 was a particularly special moment. Talking about what receiving the recognition meant to her, Nicola said, “At first I had imposter syndrome, then on reflection and talking to my close friends, I realised it meant I had contributed to my theatre community and carried on the work of a ' jobbing actor ' which had been enabled by the black actors who had gone before me and on whose shoulders I had stood.”

While awards can provide recognition for an individual's achievements, they can also shine a light on the contribution that performers make to an industry over many years – inspiring audiences and future generations along the way.

Looking back at her career, Nicola has had the opportunity to take on a huge variety of roles and work alongside some incredible people.

So, was there one particular performance or moment that stands out above the rest?

“I really enjoyed ‘Destry Rides Again’, which was one of the early Actor/Muso musicals. I got my Olivier nomination for it, and it was one of the most joyous jobs I have done.”

Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: Nicola's career is a testament to the dedication, talent and passion required to make a lasting career in the performing arts.

Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate Black history, culture and achievements, while also encouraging conversations about representation and the experiences of Black people.

For Nicola, it is also an opportunity to reflect on how the entertainment industry has changed during her career. We asked Nicola what Black History Month means to her personally and how important she feels that representation is in theatre and entertainment.

“For me, Black History Month in some ways is good, but just one month… what about the other 11? Representation in theatre and entertainment is absolutely vital, for everybody.”

Representation in theatre matters because audiences want to see a world reflected on stage that feels representative of the world around them. It can also provide something incredibly important for young people: the opportunity to see performers who look like them succeeding in the industry.

Over the course of Nicola's career, the opportunities available to Black performers have changed significantly, although conversations around representation remain important.

We asked Nicola how she feels the industry has changed and what she would like to see for the next generation of performers.

“It's been a long time, but there is change. When I began my full time career in 1971, I had to try and look 'white' or I had to darken up. I couldn't use my own voice and mainly play maids and nurses. Luckily I have worked with amazing directors who were gender fluid, cast on merit and allowed me use different accents not necessarily associated with my look. I must also commend the brave agents who have fought for me to be seen.”

For a young person considering a career in theatre, seeing someone who has successfully forged a career in the industry can be hugely encouraging.

And Nicola has some advice of her own for anyone thinking about taking that first step.

“Make sure you are fully equipped to do the job, get the training you require. Be focused, be confident but not cocky and always be willing to learn.”

From Lifetime Achievement to the Lamp!

Having celebrated an incredible career, Nicola is now taking on a very different challenge – bringing one of pantomime's most magical characters to life.

This Christmas, she'll be swapping the glitz and glamour of award ceremonies for a magic lamp as she takes on the role of the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin.

The Genie is a character with plenty of opportunities for personality and audience interaction, making the role a perfect fit for the wonderful world of pantomime.

And if there's one thing we know about panto, it's that audiences aren't simply watching the action – they're part of it.

Whether they're shouting at the stage, joining in with songs, booing the baddie or laughing at the latest piece of panto nonsense, audiences are an essential part of the experience.

So, what does Nicola love about pantomime?

“Apart from the Ballet, it’s normally a child’s first experience of live theatre and you cannot beat live theatre, so I’m delighted to be part of someone’s first experience of live theatre this Christmas.”

Bringing some magic to Yeovil

Christmas at Westlands is always a special time of year, and Aladdin promises to be no exception.

With Jack Glanville taking on the fabulous role of Widow Twankey, Kevin James returning as Frankie Twankey and Nicola Blackman bringing the Genie of the Lamp to life, audiences can expect a festive extravaganza packed with laughter, music, spectacle and plenty of surprises.

And while we might not be able to reveal all of the Genie's secrets just yet, Nicola has a few words for the people of Yeovil who are thinking about joining us this Christmas.

“They’ll be guaranteed laughter, joy and a desire to come again – myself and all of the cast cannot wait to see you all there.”

After a career worthy of a Lifetime Achievement Award, we're delighted that Nicola's next chapter will be played out right here at Westlands.

Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people, and we're proud to celebrate Nicola's remarkable career while looking forward to the new memories she'll create with audiences in Yeovil this Christmas.

From Lifetime Achievement to the magic lamp, there couldn't be a more fitting time to celebrate a performer who continues to entertain, inspire and bring a little more magic to the stage.

Now, there's just one question left...

Will you be ready when the Genie appears?

Join us at Westlands this Christmas for Aladdin – a magical pantomime adventure packed with laughter, music, mayhem and festive fun for all the family.

With an incredible cast, spectacular production and plenty of opportunities to join in, it's the perfect way to make Christmas memories.

Book your tickets now and get ready to make a wish!