UK Theatre Network

Aladdin

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

Until Saturday 9 January 2010

Forget the big budgets, forget the spectacular special effects – if it’s a traditional family pantomime that you’re after look no further than Aladdin at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Once again, Newcastle Pantomime Company presents a show that contains more slapstick, sing-along songs, silly jokes and festive frolics than you can shake a seasonal stick at.

The cast is headed by former Doctor Who and Emmerdale star Frazer Hines as Wishee Washee, and his endearing performance of the loveable laundry layabout is a real hit with the kids in the audience. His affable nature and comedy timing are a testament to his skill as a performer, and it is easy to see why this is his 28^th consecutive pantomime.

Maxie Peters and Billy Mitchell make a great comedic double-act as Sergeant Ping and Constable Pong and their special brand of madcap mayhem is delivered in the style of true vaudevillians.

Kevin O’Keefe dons the most outrageous and outlandish costumes and wigs as the man-mad Widow Twankey, Old Peking’s very own version of Dot Branning, whilst Brendan Healy receives a barrage of booing and hissing as the evil Abanazar.

The title role is performed by Jayne MacKenzie and her shapely legs and powerful vocals make her the perfect principal boy. Catherine McCabe is slightly limited in the role of Princess Jasmine, yet never lets an opportunity to shine pass her by.

Jim Kitson as the Emperor and Kim Atkinson, doubling-up as So-Shy and The Slave of the Ring, considerably add to the overall entertainment.

The sets are bright, bold and gloriously colourful and there are some fantastic costumes, too – Abanazar’s fabulous bejewelled shroud must have made a hefty dent in the wardrobe budget. Throw into the mix a dancing elephant named Fatima, a parody of SuBo and Jedward, an ensemble of six, and a live orchestra and you are rewarded with a production packed with magic and mystique that offers real family fun.

Steve Burbridge.