Andrew and Katrina Lardner

GOLD Coast performer best-known for his stint as a highheeled drag queen in Kinky Boots, is unrecognisable in his latest role.

The Mermaid Waters dancer, singer and model has swapped fake eyelashes and mini skirts for five o’clock shadow and abs in his latest role in the ensemble cast of Disney’s Aladdin.

The visually spectacular touring production, which opened its Queensland run at the Lyric Theatre, in Brisbane, last weekend, boasts a cast of 34, 337 costumes, 712 different types of beads, more than 500,000 Swarovski crystals — and a magic flying carpet.

Peel reunited with Kinky Boots leading man at the opening night after-party before Francis took to social media to say how proud he was of “Strapping Arabian hunk” Peel.

Guests on opening night included former Hi 5 star

Lauren Brant,

whose rumoured affair with Aladdin the Pantomime co-star was front page news during that show’s Sydney season. Brant, resplendent in a red playsuit and tiara, sings the opening “wa-wa-was” in a fun

Beau Ryan

karaoke video of Aladdin’s hit tune (Never Had A) Friend Like Me filmed on the red carpet at QPAC. Coast couple

also star in the video, which has clocked up more than 22,000 views. Lardner, who hits her high notes in the clip, is an award-winning performer known for standout turns in community productions of shows such as Ruthless — The Musical and Hats! Visit goldcoastbulletin.com.au to see the video.

Aladdin plays QPAC until June 3.