Slick, fun, packed with local references and allowing the plot to carry the show, Aladdin writer Alan McHugh has once again shown himself to be the King of Scottish pantomime - this is one of five very different pantos for which he takes full or shared writing credit this year.
McHugh’s understanding of the necessaries are what makes the heart beat at Adam Smith. Using Stuart Reid’s gold-clad, Elvis-like Genie as the way in allows Jonathan Stone’s greedy Abanazar to be a figure of fun rather than fear.
Richard Butler’s Aladdin is a cool, street-dancing dude who looks out for his homeless pals - and is thus a worthy recipient of the lamp. Lauren Grant has a truly delightful singing voice for Princes Jasmeena, her opening reworded version of Paint With all the Colours of the Wind captivates more than Aladdin’s heart.
Billy Mack’s boisterous Widow Twanky could have a bit more to do, but Mack knows exactly how to play his local audience. Suzanne Budd’s athletic choreography drives the ensemble - Beyonce’s Single Ladies has a fresh flavour - so there is still plenty going on. Stephen Clyde bumbles nicely as dim Sultan Shake with Budd a lithe Sali Baba, his advisor and Jasmeena’s best friend.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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