ALADDIN
Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tuesday 13th December, 2016
This year’s panto may be the Grand’s most lavish for years, containing moments of spectacle and glamour, but of course what matters most is the cast. Qdos Entertainment has gathered a fine ensemble of familiar and not-so-familiar faces, all of whom go all out to deliver the goods.
Wow factor: Joe McElderry as Aladdin
In the title role is Joe McElderry, last seen on these boards as an excellent Joseph. He sings like an angel from pop heaven, to be sure, but can he handle the comedy? The answer is an unqualified yes. McElderry is a natural for the panto style and makes an affable, adorable hero. Lucy Kay is a beautiful Princess with a voice to match (her duets with McElderry are especially good); Adam C Booth’s Wishee Washee is a highly energised crowd pleaser and Ian Adams’s Widow Twankey is an old-school dame, played to perfection. Lisa Riley, in great shape, is an amusing Slave of the Ring, bluff, Northern and friendly, but it is the Lazy Empress, played by Doreen who almost steals the show, giving Old Peking a decidedly and inescapably Black Country flavour. Doreen also proves she is more than a one-trick pony (or should I say ‘oss’?) with a song-and-dance number that defies her supposedly lazy persona. A real treat is Stefan Pejic’s delicious Abanazar. Pejic plays the villain with such relish you can’t help liking him! Ben Faulks is fun as PC Ping Pong, although if you don’t know of his children’s TV gardening-based series, some of the references leave you a bit cold. Neal Wright’s smart-talking Genie of the Lamp is a great surprise.
Michael Harrison and Alan McHugh’s script is faithful to the story – the bizarre mash-up of Arabian Nights and Chinese kitsch – while allowing for contemporary touches and moments of wonder. We’ve seen flying carpets before but not like this one, but it’s a comic song routine about alternative employment for the characters that brings the house down.
Kelvin Towse leads a tight group of musicians. The glamorous dancers are complemented by kids from the Classic Academy of Dance. The belly laughs don’t stop coming and the impetus never flags.
This production is excellent value and unrelenting fun. You couldn’t wish for a better show.
Bum on a Seat 