Aladdin
December 6, 2007
Aladdin
Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until January 19th
Writer, producer and director Michael Harrison again proves he has the midas touch in his third Newcastle pantomime, Aladdin, as it is pure gold from start to finish. Following on from his hit Cinderella two years ago, he brought us Jack and the Beanstalk and this year Aladdin (his production for next year Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates has already sold over 8500 tickets).
It is clear from the start the audience are buying in to the quality they have come to expect from his productions and the familiarity they have with the stars Clive Webb and Danny Adams. Even when you first hear Dannys familiar giggle ring out in the darkness, there is instant recognition from adults and children alike. It is clear the boys are back in town and the audience is ready for two hours of fun.
This year also see the return of Craig Conway as Abanazar, who is allowed to expand his role and join in the comedy routines, Faye Tozer (from the pop group STEPS) as Scherazade, while local actor Chris Hayward plays Mrs Twaney, with Princess Jasmine being played by Kathryn Rooney, who resumes her tour of Half A Sixpence with Gary Wilmot after the pantomime.
While we have the usual story of Aladdin falling in love with the Princess and finding a magic lamp, before it is taken from him by Abanazar. Harrison gives us so much more than just a routine run of the mill show. Each year he has taken a familiar theme and looked for new ways to present the story. This year he has the Darleks from Dr Who and Bogglevision, this effect is similar to 3D, but clearer and brings the genie to life in front of our very eyes. But even if you take these two elements away you still have a first rate, fast moving pantomime at the heart of the show, as they are used to enhance the show not to support it. We also have the obligatory knock about routines from Clive and Danny and of course the essential messy water scene. Although this year we also have a magic routine that involves a lot of water and is reminiscent of a Houdini illusion.
The production contains first rate colourful costumes and large sets that must make it a very tight squeeze backstage.
There is no doubt that the Theatre Royal has set the bar very high this year in the pantomime stakes and Michael Harrisons third production, which has already had an extra week added to the schedule, lives up to all the expectations.
The boys, Clive and Danny, along with Michael , writing, producing and directing are back again next year and with tickets already on sale, ther’s no doubt Robinson Crusoe will be another well deserved hit for the Theatre Royal.
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