It would be near impossible to point to any shortcomings in
St Helens’ Christmas offering Aladdin. If you’re looking for the archetype of a
traditional family panto then you need look no further than the Theatre Royal
this year
With the enormous energy that they throw into the show you’d
never know that the cast are beset by the seasonal lurgy. There is a real ensemble
feel to the performance and what communicates itself most readily is the sense
that they are all having huge fun with it.
In one of the intriguing traditions of panto, the script is
penned once again by the company’s resident dame. Si Foster is as much of a
tradition here as mince pies and, as Widow Twankey, Foster is an absolute
delight. The balance between innuendo and good clean fun runs neatly throughout
the dialogue, and Foster’s delivery is done with such an expert touch that he
must rate as one of Britain’s great classic dames.
The show opens with Philip Shaun McGuinness’s snarling
Abanazer, swishing his glittering cloak with all the flare of the Royal Ballet’s
Gary Avis. The obvious relish he has in delivering his lines goes on to be
carried through by the rest of the cast. Strictly pro dancer Robin Windsor
replaces Kelvin Fletcher who was originally cast for the role of Aladdin until
he got the surprise Strictly call-up. Windsor brings his Latin dance flare to
the part and gets to lead some great company choreography numbers.
He is partnered with Scott Gallagher as Aladdin’s hapless
brother Wishee Washee. Gallagher, like Foster, knows exactly how to strike the
balance between the comedy and the warmth of his role, and the brothers make a
great pairing.
Another welcome return is Olivia Sloyan who plays Princess
Jasmine, similarly treading just the right line between royal aloofness and
lovable charm.
Aladdin of course has not one but two magical characters,
the Slave of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp. Jenna Sian O’Hara and Kai
Jolley are bedecked with glitter and are frequently accompanied by some spectacular
pyrotechnics. They both bring poise and a real sense of magic to the parts.
One of the biggest surprises of the show, and possibly its
best comic secret weapon, is Timothy Lucas as PC Noodle. Giving one of the most
overtly physical performances in the show he is comedy gold-dust and completely
bonkers.
Music supervisor Callum Clarke has assembled a very clever
collection of songs to propel the story forward, and the score is delivered
with tremendous punch by Jordan Alexander and Will Brown in the pit.
Another clever touch in this show is the use of the now
popular 3D sequence. Often something of a gimmick, used to cover a scene
change, here it brings us a very effective magic carpet ride which is a far cry
from the thinly veiled fork-lifts and cherry pickers that Aladdin productions
have often featured.
Regular readers of my reviews will know that, especially
with family shows, I set great store by the way a work connects with its
audience – especially the children who can be very unforgiving. One thing that
is for certain in this show is that it hits its target right in the bullseye,
with 700 children of all ages totally glued to it throughout.
Aladdin is absolutely first class family entertainment and
is playing at the Theatre Royal until 12th January.
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| The cast of Aladdin - all photography by David Munn |
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| Timothy Lucas, Olivia Sloyan and Philip Sean McGuinness |
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| Jenna O'Hara, Robin Windsor and Kai Jolley |
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| Si Foster, Scott Gallagher and Jenna O'Hara |
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| Olivia Sloyan and Robin Windsor |
Star Rating: Five Stars
This review was originally written for publication by Good News Liverpool
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