REVIEW: ALADDIN, Manchester Opera House

THERE’s nothing quite like a panto for a bit of escapism from the real world and by golly do we need that right now.

We all have our own family festive traditions and going to see a pantomime is one of ours, so it was a real joy to be back enjoying the magic of live theatre following the disappointing show cancellations across the country last year due to Covid.

And they don’t get more magical than Aladdin, which runs until Sunday, January 2 at Manchester’s Opera House.

Set in Mancunia, a flying carpet and soaring serpent are among the spectacular, visual highlights of the show, which is crammed with more sequins and sparkles than you’ll see in Saturday’s Strictly final.

 

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen

 

Ben Nickless is a regular panto star in Manchester Pictures: Phil Tragen

It is a raucous, laugh out loud performance from start to finish, with the hilarious Ben Nickless back taking centre stage once more – this time as Wishee Washee – joined by an increasingly glamorous Ceri Dupree as dame Widow Twanky.

With Boris Johnson and the goings on at number 10 the main topic of dinner table conversation in recent weeks, it was inevitable they would become the butt of jokes on panto stages this Christmas.

And Aladdin is no exception. The PM, Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings all take a hit in an early performance of ‘the Lockdown Rap’ which even Prof Whitty would find witty, with a cheese and wine gag featuring among the more topical jibes.

 

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen

 

Widow Twanky, aka Ceri Dupree

Perhaps the well-documented alleged parties go some way to explaining why many theatre-goers weren’t wearing face masks despite the recent rule changes.

But politics aside, good always overcomes evil in panto land and traditional show faithfuls such as the ‘If I were not in pantomime’ song still feature prominently and remain as funny now as they’ve ever been, as do some cheeky jokes for the parents and Tik Tok-inspired dance moves for the kids.

Matthew Croke as Aladdin, Rumi Sutton as Princess Jasmine, Nicola Sanderson as The Supreme Leader of Mancunia and John McLarnon as Abanazar all give engaging performances. But it is the incredibly talented Alexandra Burke as Scherezade who unsurprisingly receives the biggest applause - and a standing ovation - from the audience, not only effortlessly performing the show’s own numbers but also her own chart-topping numbers, Hallelujah and Bad Boys.

The perfect tonic for any gin-filled festive season, make sure you put a date in your diary for a flying visit to see the show while you can.

For tickets, go to atgtickets.com/shows/aladdin/opera-house-manchester/

 

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen

Aladdin is currently showing at Manchester Opera House Pictures: Phil Tragen