The Stage

Aladdin

Published Tuesday 13 December 2005 at 10:50 by Scott Matthewman

A good family panto must appeal primarily to children and then to the grown-ups’ inner child, a concept the Elgiva production of Aladdin has embraced wholeheartedly.

Director Stuart Morrisson, also appearing as Wishee Washee, is the focal point from his first appearance onstage as he gets the children in the audience completely involved in the adventure, never letting their attention wander. Throughout, he keeps up a pace that prevents any boredom or restlessness, while encompassing all the traditional elements of a British panto.

Backed up by a spirited, thigh-slapping performance in Lisa Cassidy’s Aladdin and a superb James Horne as Widow Twanky, the production frolics through the well-loved story with gusto. Impressive set design, most notably in the Cave of Jewels, adds to the sense of wonder that kept the children enthralled.

The astonishing bravery of even attempting to include a Tryannosaurus Rex into the cave set was matched by the prop’s technical accomplishment. The only let down was the speed with which it was dispatched.

As is usual these days, a number of modern touches have been introduced to the script, although these worked better when worked directly into the plot - including references to recent TV revivals of both Captain Scarlet and Doctor Who - than throwaway lines about the likes of the X Factor.

The real revelation, though, is Bobbie Chatt as Princess Baldroubadour, whose mesmeric voice added additional layers to the superb musical performances from all involved.