Aladdin
Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Writer: Si Foster
Cast: Robin Windsor, Olivia Sloyan, Si Foster, Scott Gallagher, Philip McGuinness, Jenna O’Hara & Kai Jolley
Review Date: December 11 2019
Performances: December 7 2019-January 12 2020
Location: St. Helens Theatre Royal, St. Helens
Duration: 150 minutes incl. an interval
Age Rating: 3+
It’s panto time again at St. Helens Theatre Royal with Aladdin! The annual Christmas trend runs across auditoriums around the United Kingdom, but it’s in St. Helens where some of the most memorable panto magic is created, and that was even more true based on Aladdin being the backdrop for this year’s festive performance!
Synopsis
The story of Aladdin is centred around the magical and mysterious lamp, which grants the receiver three wishes. Aladdin himself is played by Strictly Come Dancing hunk Robin Windsor, and it is he who wishes to benefit from the golden object, provided by the Genie Of The Lamp. He has Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, the Slave Of The Ring and, above all else, a gorgeous Princess all on his side, but he has to overcome the wickedness of Abanazar, whose dastardly scheme seeks to make him the true beneficiary of the lamp and all of its powers. Can Aladdin and co. take down the evil Abanazar and enjoy the fruits of the golden lamp labour for themselves?
Analysis
The show had a tremendous atmosphere, with literally hundreds of excited children looking on, and they were full of enthusiasm throughout. Speaking of which, the cast did a great job, led as noted by Windsor who demonstrated his superb dancing skills in front of an appreciative audience. A smaller dance troupe also got to showcase their skills, and they too received a strong ovation. The production also had a real live orchestra, which was delightful and refreshing to see, and it provided extra gravitas to the happenings on-stage.
Then there were the costumes, which were brilliantly designed, sporting plenty of colour and lots of spark. The same applied to the scenery, which was very authentic and eye-catching. The audience participation was spot-on, and the 3D sequence was amazing to behold. And then there is the slapstick comedy which was fantastic; in particular, Aladdin and Wishee Washee squirting the attendees with water was hilarious, and both the laundry scene and “behind you” scene were a lot of fun and very well-executed. The script was very, very witty and very well-delivered, ticking every box that a top-notch panto should.
Summary
What a show this was! Aladdin at St. Helens Theatre Royal was an excellent night out, and I would recommend everybody to go and see it, especially as it caters to all ages.
Notes
Target Audience: Ages 5-12
Content: 0/5 – No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Aladdin runs at St. Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday January 12 2020. To buy tickets, click here or call 01744 756000.
