Photo: Pamela Raith
Aladdin flew into Sheffield this week and lives up to its hype with a high energy, nonstop flight of frivolity! Evolutions Productions do it again in their 20th year with Paul Hendry writing, directing and producing joined by Emily Wood as Associate Director and Producer of the pantomime. This year’s cast is a strong, extremely talented and an evenly matched array of performers/musicians and they inclusively have energy abound. None more so than the Musical Director James Harrison who entertains the audience both at the keyboard and on stage, with the excitable energy of a child… I was tired watching him and was constantly draw to his exuberance. Harrison’s score is fresh and up to date with more than a few ‘bangers’ to get the audience of all ages buzzing!
The set design by Morgan Brind is glorious, never obtrusive but always lavish. Mark Dymock as Lighting Designer brings a very detailed and ambient kaleidoscope to the production and Chris Whybrow sound design ensues not a moment is missed and the show sounds on pointe throughout. Sarah Langley’s choreography goes a long way to creating the effervescent pacing of the show and the dance is both modern and constantly uplifting.
The story of Aladdin we all know, but the setting of this show; as pantomime should; moves the action to the mystical lands of Sheffield and it’s local areas, much to the audiences delight and laughter. Add a flying carpet that defies the realms of possibility and leaves the audience wondering how it was done and cue an evening of pure golden magic!
With Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton as the baddy Ivan Tochacha, his character name alone gives away the calibre of dance on display. Clifton is also an accomplished actor and singer and is boo’d with high praise. CBeebies Evie Pickerill is an extremely likeable and engaging Spirit of the Ring and her singing voice is a real powerhouse. Aladdin himself played by Sario Solomon is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and exceptional in role with the perfect mixture of innocence and vigour, his vocals are top notch… what a voice! Lauren Chia is a beguiling Princess Jasmine and her connection with Solomon is tangible. Joey Wilby (Charlie), George Akid (PC World) and Elliott Broadfoot (Genie) are all solid and assured in their respective roles with some hilarious comedy sequences and audience participation. Damian Williams records his 18th year as the Sheffield Pantomime Dame, Dame Dolly this year and his costumes never fail to impress. Michael J Batchelor and Joey’s Dame Creations excel themselves with the most outlandish and elaborate costumes to date. Williams provides the adult comedy for the parents with his double entendres aplenty and the worst dad jokes ever. A firm favourite with Sheffield audiences, Williams is exceptional with his audience interaction but this year the entire cast equal his energy and expertise and this gives us a much more balanced show than of late. One I welcome.
Besides the flying carpet scene my other standout scene has to be the ‘emotions through song’ sketch. I don’t want to give much away, but it is side splitting and just wait for the craziness after Lorraine’s (Charlotte Ross Gower) entrance… hilariously brilliant if slightly strange!
The ensemble; along with Dance Captain Charlotte Ross Gower; are completed by Eleanor Rose Jackson, Thandie Nsingo, Max Sanderson, Onuri Smith and Lucas Wells and by do these performers earn their money! Full out energy and immersion and so very well-rehearsed. Flawless.
Fourteen performers in total and fourteen equally talented artistes, fabulous to see such a balanced, no dominated pantomime. I enjoyed this year’s Sheffield Pantomime even more than I annually do. Aladdin is at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Sunday 4th January 2026 and is a delight for audiences of all ages, so grab your granny and grandkids and get off darn t’ Lyceum for fantastical flying feast of fun!
All the traditional pantomime moments are in there, the audience get wet, we have a sing-along, and an ‘it’s behind you’ scene. I do miss the messy baking scene and the kids on stage though … a sign of the health and safety mad times I assume.
Playing until 4th January 2026, https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/aladdin-panto-2025
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 9th December 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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