Aladdin is feel-good family fun
ONE of the first Leicestershire pantos to open this year is Loughborough Town Hall’s production of Aladdin.
I’d heard great things about the pantos at this venue, but had never been before, so I was keen not to miss out.
The audience was eagerly involved from the off, booing as evil Abanazar – played with a wonderful wickedness by Simon Kingsley – appeared on stage.
Siri of the Ring and Scheherazade (aka Genie of the Lamp) along with the amusingly titled PC Brigade, are played by Ella-Jane Thomas, who I thought was wonderful, bringing the characters to life with sass and humour.
She also did well to manage some very quick costume changes.
Kristian Cunningham, who plays the titular character, had a great energy and stage presence, and excellent vocals – showcased in many of the well-known songs given an Aladdin twist.
A number of the songs also featured the talented company, made up of local young people, which is always nice to see.
Aladdin spends his days with his cute yet naughty pet monkey Marmaduke and his mum, Tamara Twankey, wearing her lockdown dress, one of an array of gobsmacking outfits worn by the dame.
It’s little wonder James Peake was named Best Dame in the 2020 Great British Pantomime Awards, as he was superb in the role, firing out gags left, right and centre, with comic timing as dazzling as the dresses he wore.
Aladdin’s love interest, Princess Amirah, was played by Darcy Manning, who had a beautiful singing voice.
There was jokes aplenty, from those that received groans to those that caused big belly laughs, with lots of references to local places and the pandemic, plus a few innuendos for the adults.
There was some tender moments between Aladdin and Amirah, and a well performed rendition of Something Stupid.
There followed one of the most incredible moments of the show –when Aladdin took to his magic carpet to find his love.
The sight of the carpet hovering over the first few rows was met with lots of wows and oohs from the audience, and was one of many wonderful effects.
The sets were spectacular, from the streets of Shangri-La to ancient Egypt, and all displayed great attention to detail.
This feel-good show really does ensure you’re full of festive spirit by the time you leave.
Aladdin will be at Loughborough Town Hall until January 2.
PANTO SURE TO FILL YOU WITH FESTIVE SPIRIT