Alexandra Burke as Sherezade in ALADDIN. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen
With gags and laughter aplenty, ALADDIN is everything you want from a family panto, but done to perfection on a big scale.
ALADDIN’s magic carpet has landed in Manchester and is set to dazzle audiences with this high energy, glitzy, hilarious, relevant and utterly sensational pantomime.
Pantomimes are a festive staple, and after over a year without, this production of ALADDIN spares no expense in creating a hit that has everything you want and more.
Set in the fairytale land of Mancunia, ALADDIN follows evil Abanazar’s (John McLarnon) scheme to trick young Aladdin (Matthew Croke) into stealing the genie’s wishes from the magical lamp. A tale we’re all well acquainted with.
However, Aladdin this time around has the powerhouse star Alexandra Burke on his side making her panto debut as keeper of the ring Sherezade as she looks out for Aladdin on his quest to marry the strong and rebellious Princess Jasmine.
John McLarnon as Abanazar in ALADDIN. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen
Burke dazzles audiences by playing the focal narrator/fairy godmother role and performs her hit singles, BAD BOYS and HALLELUJAH. It is a delight to experience Burke’s beautiful voice in person.
Every panto needs a dame, and Ceri Dupree does a “faaaabulous” job in creating the loveable Widow Twankey and showcasing the spectacular costumes that Twankey graces the stage in. Dupree is phenomenal in keeping up the energy in the many costume and extravagant headdress changes. Special mention is well deserved to Dupree’s costume team in creating the magnificent pieces.
Ben Nickless as Wishee Washee in ALADDIN. Photo Credit: Phil Tragen
With gags and laughter aplenty, panto regular Ben Nickless creates most of the audience reactions as Wishee Washee. Nickless also offers additional written material to playwright Alan McHugh’s and charms with his impersonations, raps, and comical timing in this hilarious offering. ALADDIN does well in playing on the aptness of today’s world and speaks to the audience through its in-jokes and local nods that both children and adults can enjoy.
ALADDIN will have you booing and cheering, creasing with laughter and dancing out of your seat. It is everything you remember from your childhood panto, but done to perfection on a big scale and is a must-see this festive season.
ALADDIN runs at the Opera House, Manchester, until 2 January 2022
Sophia Agnew works in Comms and Marketing after previously studying Drama and Theatre at the University of Hull and a brief stint performing herself. She now much prefers being part of the audience and working in a creative industry. She also has interests in events, house renovation, growing her book collection and finding the best bottomless brunch.
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