Aladdin (Star-Struck Theatre Company)

Yes, it's Panto Season and even in these strange and uncertain times the classic yuletide entertainment phenomenon is still alive and kicking with Star-Struck Theatre Company and I joined them back in Old Peking (well Sedgley but, there are some distinct similarities !) for their production of Aladdin.

Let's get one thing clear if you're likely to be taken in by that 'new lamps for old' jazz, then you may well find yourself duped and under the evil control of Abanazar a frighteningly convincing performance from Pat Lewis, just remember what your mother always told you and never exchange anything with a dodgy looking bloke dressed in black.

Ask Jasmine if you don't believe me, almost forced into marriage and only escaping by the skin of her teeth from a fate worse than death ! Never a part quite extensive enough to contain the talent of Vicky Bull but, performed exquisitely with some show-stopping vocals (inc. Roar and Holding out for a Hero).

If you need somebody to rescue you from the clutches of Abanazar then it ought to the title character and Benjamin Burdall throws all of his considerable stage skill into his performance of Aladdin. Only one of the crazy Twankey Family led by Richard Probert's quintessential dame Widow Twankey and completed by Ashley Wilkes with an energetic comedy tour-de-force as Wishee Washee (not satisfied with this Ashley directs as well, that level of capacity shouldn't be allowed !).

If you are looking to access a magic cave (for nefarious means or not) you are going to need some wishes to be granted and that can only be achieved by Liam Hewitt's Slave of the Ring  or Gary Fereday's Genie of the Lamp both wish granters and performers of undoubted skill (although nobody asked that they rid the land of COVID-19, maybe that's one wish too far !).

Graham Sinnott rules the land sternly and much to the distress of many as the Emperor, one wonders if he is a caring employer, maybe a question for Grace Lewis's So-Shy, Martin Thorpe's Herman or Ruby Addinell's Princess' Maid all providing excellent support as the story progresses.

Joining Ashley as part of the Production Team are Emilie Walters (Choreographer) and Rob Murray (Musical Director) and they really have something to be proud of here.

An extensive chorus make this a stunning example of Traditional Pantomime and we all need something to entertain us at the moment don't we, so grab some tickets for the remaining performances as this adventure finishes on Sunday 19th December 2021.

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