Review: ALADDIN, Alban Arena
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Evolution’s Aladdin flies (quite literally) into the Alban Arena this Christmas, and it’s a magic carpet ride not to be missed!
Sticking to the well oiled storyline, we join Iverson Yabut as Aladdin as he’s sent by our baddie Abeneezer (the geezer), played by Eastenders’ Steve McFadden, to find the magic lamp.
With gags-a-plenty, there’s the perfect panto-combo of puns, local jibes and physical humour. With the welcome appearance of the famous St Albans ghost-gag-bench, alongside comic book-fights and dancing mummies, the laughter never lets up; particularly during the comedy highlight of the evening, when the tickle-some trio of Dame Dolly (Bob Golding), PC World (Damian Patton) and Charlie (Dave Bibby) cleverly converse in song snippets, displaying a fantastic chemistry and skilled comic timing, which they showcase throughout.
Aladdin is packed with musical classics such as ‘Common People’, ‘Call me Al’ and ‘Teenage Dirtbag’, alongside newer hits like ‘Golden’, ‘Where is my Husband?’, and of course, a bit of Wicked. The whole cast have strong voices, especially the Spirit of the Ring (Rosanna Harris), and Princess Jasmine (Emily Tang). We’re also treated to a full rendition of ‘I Predict a Riot’ from the ever-husky Steve McFadden (who hilariously oft-reminds us that he is not in fact Ross Kemp).
With a perfect blend of innuendo for the grown-ups and “6/7” jokes for the younger crowd, Aladdin has wide-ranging appeal and delivers everything a family panto needs, and more. The first half is near-perfect but the show is elevated even further in the second half by the arrival of Mr G, the genie. Bringing an unmatched zest and energy to the stage, Jamal Kane Crawford makes the role his own, without a hint of Disney in sight.
The writing here is funny, the choreography slick, and the sets bright. The whole production is polished, but the real jewel in this panto-crown is the cast. The full ensemble brings a palpable energy, authentically reacting to one another and the audience, creating the perfect pantoland, making Aladdin a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier
Aladdin plays at the Alban Arena until 31 December, with further info here.