Reviewed by The Magic Hatter
The Hatters took a trip to Scunthorpe to review this year’s festive offering at The Baths Hall, Aladdin. But, did it grant all of our panto wishes or is it a bit Wishee Washee? Find out below!
I’m no stranger to Scunthorpe pantomimes, having been every year since I was just a little Hatter. Like so many others, it’s become part of our holiday traditions and this marks Annie Fanny’s 14th show for Tony Peers LTD. Fanny (aka Darren Johnson) also writes and directs the production, when not donning a dress and plenty of slap…
Carry on Panto!
As a dame Darren is suitably outrageous, occasionally bordering on inappropriate but treading the line carefully. A notch or two more and he’d be in Julian Clary territory (read reviews for this year’s Goldilocks and The Three Bears at the Palladium, where children and the easily offended would be wise to take ear defenders) However, I think he just about gets away with it, and this audience generally lapped up the innuendo and mild smut.
Whilst fans flock to see Fanny, it would be unfair to single him/her out in such a talented and well-rounded cast…
Sean ‘Rollo’ Rollason as Wishee Washee is the best comic male we’ve seen at the Baths for many years. Instantly likeable, warm and engaging, the young audience members really did seem keen to be his friend! If anything Rollo is under-used, although this is a packed pantomime.
Jake West as the doddery old Emperor is a young actor, but plays feeble and fumbling well. The ‘Annie Fanny needs washing’ gag was a genuine laugh-out loud moment, and delivered with great comic timing. It’s interesting to read that he started in local amateur theatre, and it’s clear that he’s been treading the boards a while.
Naomi Dale as Aladdin fits the bill, and plays the title hero with plenty of panto gusto. Zosie Jenks plays Princess Balroubador (yes, not Jasmine – this isn’t the Disney version!) and has powerful vocals and portrays the oppressed princess well.
I’ve seen Hambi Pappas in a variety of roles, from Annie Fanny’s ugly sister (Fanny Annie!) to Fleshcreep and many others. He suits panto villainy though, and is suitably bad without ever really terrifying the little ones!
New Lamps for Old Jokes
This is a panto packed with gags galore. However, a few of the jokes are getting dustier than an old lamp, especially in Fanny’s introduction which I think I could now recite word for word. You certainly know what you’re in for with a Scunthorpian pantomime, but I think it is time to freshen up the script a little. A few of the routines too are starting to lose their freshness having been repeated years on end now with minor, if any, changes.
The Plot Thickens
For the most part this is the traditional story of Aladdin. The narrative gets a little hazy at points though, especially in the second act, but what it lacks in plot it makes up for in the variety of skills on show. As well as singing and dancing, there is a quick change costume magic act, unicycling and juggling – with the circus skills courtesy of Tommy J as PC Pong.
A lengthy juggling sequence keeps things interesting with clubs, hoops, knives and a few more elements I’ll keep a surprise. The act builds and builds; Tommy is highly versatile and knows how to work a crowd. An all round entertainer, I could easily see him taking the main comic lead in a few years.
Vicki Lane does an admirable job as PC Ping too, and reminded this reviewer a little of Sue Perkins. Her costume act was slick and speedy, and she relishes drenching the audience with a super soaker! She takes the lead in a ‘who, what, I don’t know’ skit – and keeps the pace flowing well.
Open Sesame
From Fanny’s fabulous frocks to exotic backdrops that conjure up Old Peking, the design of the show captures the spirit of Aladdin well.
Visually, the Cave of Wonders was a highlight – featuring towering statues, glittering treasure and an imposing genie puppet with a Scottish accent. Will Smith or Robin Williams he ain’t, but the illusion worked well and it was my three-year-old’s favourite part! Later, a slightly clunky magic carpet ride just about worked but wasn’t as smooth or wondrous as some we’ve seen.
Recent pantos we’ve reviewed have skipped inviting children onstage during the songsheet, but not the Baths! Some of the biggest laughs of the night came from their funny reactions and Annie Fanny ad-libs…kids really do say the funniest things! Darren tones down the outrageousness with the more timid children on stage, and each volunteer is rewarded with a Morrison’s-sponsored goody bag.
Anything missing? I do miss the regular slosh scene. Twankey’s – sorry, Fanny’s – laundry would be ideal for some messy slapstick with soapy suds! The age-old mangle and washing machine gag is honed to perfection though. A live band would be a welcome addition too, but I can appreciate the extra costs involved and the impact that might have on ticket prices.
Other than that, this is everything you’d expect if you’ve been before. 12 days of Christmas…again? Check. A smattering of smut? Check. Dazzling costumes and slick dance moves. Check. In fact, the dancers deserve a special mention for maintaining that energy and enthusiasm around school and family life. The choreography is tight, and it’s clear they’re having a ball!
There’s a reason that Scunthorpe audiences keep coming back year on year, and this production ticks many boxes. There are moments of pure genie-us, and the gags come thick and fast…even if some are as stale as old prawn crackers. My magic wish is for some fresh and original twists on next year’s production of Dick Whittington.
Whether a panto first-timer or a regular fat wobbly grandma (Fanny’s words, not mine!) Aladdin is a fun-filled festive treat for all the family!
MAGIC RATING 
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
Aladdin runs at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe until December 31st. Tickets range from £15 to £19.20 each and can be booked online at https://www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk/
Review Wizard 