ALADDIN till 12 January

Birmingham.
ALADDIN: Paul Elliott.
Birmingham Hippodrome.
Runs: 2h 30m, one interval, till Sun 27 January.
Review: Rod Dungate, 20 December 2007.

Fantastically fantastic.

Better than ever before – it really is.

The Hippo’s panto is always a magnificent treat; but this year the script seems tighter, the vigour seems greater – and the jokes seem funnier. And there’s John Barrowman.

John Barrowman hurled into our collective consciousness with his intriguing and multi-faceted creation Captain Jack in the current Dr Who and then Torchwood. As Aladdin he is revealed as a great showman – the secret, perhaps, of Captain Jack. His is a fabulous all-round performance – whether he’s acting, singing or dancing his charming and roguish personality drags us into the show, and how delighted we are. To cast a man like this in the main role makes sense of the story – the play is refocused in the way it ought to be. This is Aladdin’s story and Barrowman gives a performance not to be missed.

But this is far from being a one-man show. Don Maclean (Widow Twankey) matches Barrowman’s energy; the rapport with the audience is all there, but the narrative never gets held up. Hilarious comedy is supplied by the Grumbleweeds; as a pair of Chinese Detectives their double act beautifully fits into the snug slot Paul Elliott has created for them.

There are other great delights too. The Daleks make a couple of entrances – earning a round of applause on their first one! And there are amazing 3D effects (by Bogglevision) with exploding rocks, bats flying from the magic lamp’s cave and a huge snake emerging from a jungle – the sound of children squealing in delighted fear rocks the auditorium.

This is a pantomime that truly captures a sense of fun, topicality, and theatrical delight for young and old – or should I say young and oldish.

Give yourself a real treat – go and see it.

[Full credits will follow shortly]

2007-12-21 09:18:13