It’s that time of year again! Panto time is upon us and this year, I’m catching five of them.
Who:
Written by Sonia Jalaly, directed by Nicholai La Barrie
Where and when:
Lyric Hammersmith, to 5 Jan 2025 – tickets at https://lyric.co.uk/shows/aladdin-2024/
Cast:
Emmanuel Akwafo, Andre Antonio, Jodie Jacobs, Aleyna Mohanraj, Andrew Pepper, Francisco Gomes, Isaiah James-Mitchell, Summer Priest, Laura Dawn Pyatt
Basic plot:
Aladdin (Antonio) lives with his mum, Widow Twerky (Akwafo), in their laundry. Princess Jasmine (Mohanraj) comes by to do her washing, and they fall in love.
However, her wicked stepdad Abanazar (Pepper) has other plans for them, which may involve a cave, a magic lamp, and a Genie (Jacobs).
Characters and performances:
Widow Twerky and Abanazar are both terrific as the Dame and bad guy. They are both brilliant in dealing with the audience and definite scene-stealers.
Aladdin and Jasmine make decent modern lovers, and he has a knack for rapping, while the Genie is an amusing character in their pursuit of the twerking matron.
Add to this an ensemble who work their socks off as guards, villagers, and goats (!) and you have a hit.
Audience interaction:
There’s a bit for an adult audience member to audition as Akwafo’s understudy and a game later for a couple of children.
The usual shout-outs, callbacks, and double-takes are in evidence throughout.
Atmosphere:
Very funny, engaging, and children seemed to love the cheering, booing and singing. There’s also a few moments of magic that went over well.
Music:
Good use of some pop (Shania Twain, Bjork, Tom Jones) and classic (Marilyn Monroe) as well as rap, which played to everyone’s strengths.
Technical:
There’s a flying carpet! And excellent use of lighting, blackouts, and other tricks. There’s a castle battlement set and another with a cave “in the middle of Lidl’s.”
Cuteness factor:
There is a parrot puppet and an occasional singing bird chorus. It gives definite Muppet vibes.
Regional/contemporary relevance:
We first meet Aladdin at Hammersmith Market, and then we sing about the place at the end before we are wished a happy Hammersmithmas.
Final verdict:
4*
I really liked this panto. The pacing was excellent, the cast was fabulous, and the festive vibe was set up with Christmas songs played before the show started.
Even a line flub was covered brilliantly and made part of the show.
It stays close to the original story while adding in 21st century elements and musical styles.
I also liked the use of the circle for cast pop-ups throughout the show.