On a stormy Thursday evening we were transported from York’s Shambles to…Egypt’s Shambles. Apparently they exist in a parallel universe, in this year’s inventive take on Aladdin.
CBeebies favourite Evie Pickerill plays both the Spirit of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp. Initially, I felt it was a bit of a cop-out not to have a standalone genie, but there’s plenty of fun wrung out of the quick changes. Pickerill is energetic and likeable, and a great singer too.
I don’t know you, but your fez is familiar!
Robin Simpson returns as dame but there’s no mention of Widow Twankey here. Instead the washroom has become ‘Born to Pun’ – a joke shop full of wacky wares run by Dame Dolly. It’s really just a vehicle for daft gags galore, but this fellow punslinger isn’t complaining.
Simpson is, as ever, a treat – and is quickly making his mark as York’s new legendary dame. He doesn’t resort to smut beyond the odd light innuendo, and playfully picks on an audience member without ever really making them the fool. The frocks are all bobby-dazzlers too, especially the peacock finale and the two joke shop ensembles.
Diamond in the Ruff
His chemistry with villain Ivan Tobebooed (Paul Hawkyard) is pure joy, and these theatre stalwarts have the audience eating out of their palms. Hawyward is a classic panto villain and acknowledges his theatrical approach, even donning a Shakespearean ruff at one point. Hammier than a Peppa Pig box set, but does it work? Oh yes it does!
More comedy comes from Tommy Carmichael’s Charlie, and a little juggling adds variety. He can bust some funky moves too. Unexpectedly though, it’s Rowan Armitt-Brewster’s PC World that gets some of the big laughs with his excellent comic timing and brilliant lip-syncing in a ‘push the button’ song skit.
Aladdin (Sario Solomon) brings great musical theatre vocals to the role. Often the hero is overshadowed by the dame and comic male, but Solomon really holds his own here. Love interest Jasmin (Emily Tang) is well cast, and she’s the feisty female who takes her time to get to know Aladdin. No ‘love at first sight’ mush in this production!
Carpet…Right!
There are key moments I look out for in each panto. The transformation scene in Cinderella, flying in Peter Pan, and the magic carpet in Aladdin. I won’t pull the rug from under your feet, but I will say it’s quite simply the BEST carpet we’ve ever seen. Even from row G in the Stalls, the illusion was perfect. A dizzying delight!
In fact for us this is a panto of bests. Visually it’s the best we’ve seen, excelling in design across set, costume and special effects. It also has some of the strongest song choices we’ve heard, spanning the decades with something for everyone. Aladdin and Jasmin’s romantic medley is a highlight – featuring I Will Always Love You, Can you Feel the Love Tonight? and Your Song. Closing number Free from Desire has everyone up on their feet too.
This reviewer misses a slosh scene or water pistol routine – and there are no children up on stage for the song sheet – but it’s still far fresher and funnier than any pantomime we saw before Evolution Productions started at the Theatre Royal.
Aladdin features everything you might expect…from local references, big song and dance numbers and audience participation. But it also mixes up the formula with things like oversized animals, marauding mummies and a clever comic-book twist on the good vs. evil fight scene.
A lavish production with puns aplenty, toe-tapping tunes and lots of panto magic.
A wish come true!
Aladdin runs at York Theatre Royal until January 5th 2025, book your tickets at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Thumbs up from us? Yes two big ones!
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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