The atmosphere inside The Brindley last night was electric as scores of excited children (and some adults) took their seats in readiness to witness this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. This was my first time watching a Brindley pantomime produced in association with New Pantomime Productions Ltd and it definitely won’t be my last.
I have seen over the years many versions of Aladdin; all slightly different and last night was no exception. The cast of 10 adults and dance troupe of 10 youngsters all shone from the opening Spice Girls inspired number until the colourful finale.
Rubin Cavanagh as Aladdin is immediately likeable and has superb chemistry with Brindley regular Rebecca Lake who plays his love interest Princess Yasmin alongside her protective mother the Empress played by Traitors star Amanda Lovett. Alexander HJ Smith is instantly hated by the entire auditorium as he brings evil and menace to the proceedings as Abanazar.
In this version, we have two genies, so more wishes than ever are granted throughout the night. The genie of the ring played by bubbly scouser Laura Hesketh granted the easier wishes whilst Ashley Johnson granted the bigger wishes as the genie of the lamp. Johnson also choreographed the show.
Sean Luckham brings 21 years worth of experience playing Widow Twankey to the Runcorn stage along with some of the most lavish costumes I have seen in panto land for a long time.
The performance of the night came from Matt Dallen as Wishee Washee delivering a masterclass of comedy aimed at both adults and children. Within moments of taking the stage he had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand.
The final pieces of the Arabian style jigsaw were the talented dancers, led by principles Ben Parks and Tyler Ouseley (who also doubled up as the princess’s assistant So Shi). Joining them on stage were the blue dance team comprising of young dancers Taylor Smith, Caitlin Manning, Grace Houghton, Isabelle Gildea, Lyla Devine-Newhall, Libbi Hillam, Havana Low, Freya Harrison, Daisy Buckley and Nancy Richards.
Director Simon Barry and the Brindley team have crafted a beautifully hilarious and traditional pantomime that had it all. The 12 days of Christmas routine was THE best version I have seen and one of my theatrical highlights of the year. The conclusion of act 1 when Aladdin takes to the sky is spectacular and a triumph of lighting design.
With the Empire down the road moving away from the annual pantomime in recent years the choice of family friendly pantomimes is somewhat limited, and I was surprised to see a number of empty seats on this a Friday evening. Quality productions such as this deserve to be seen as much as the cast deserve full houses.
Aladdin is a masterpiece of seasonal entertainment, and personally I cannot wait to return in 2025 to see if, and how this show can be beaten.
Aladdin continues at The Brindley until, visit https://www.quaytickets.com/thebrindley/en-GB/shows/aladdin/events/2 for dates, times and ticket availability.
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 20th December 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
