Aladdin 2024 Pantomime - Northern Arts Review
at the York Theatre Royal
Aladdin Pantomime 2024 - Northern Arts
Have you ever dreamed of taking a magic carpet ride filled with mischief, music, and that infectious panto magic? York Theatre Royal and Evolution Productions invite you to a whole new world with this year’s fantastic seasonal delight—Aladdin. With a top-tier cast, groan-worthy jokes, and musical numbers that’ll have your feet tapping, let’s see if Aladdin makes all our wishes come true.
Genie, I wish for an exciting story! Winning ‘Best Script’ in the 2024 UK Pantomime Awards, Aladdin delivers a fun and surprisingly local twist on the classic tale. Set in The Shambles Souk, Aladdin, his brother Charlie, and their mother Dame Dolly run a joke shop. Tricked by the evil Ivan Tobebooed into entering the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin becomes trapped and can only be saved by the Genie of the Lamp. From the Pyramids of Whitby to the clutches of ‘yummy mummies’, Aladdin must escape, defeat the baddie, and win Princess Jasmine’s heart.
Genie, I wish for a cast that brings the story to life! Straight from CBeebies, Evie Pickerill lights up the stage as the Spirit of the Ring, infusing every line with joyful, childlike energy. Robin Simpson is an utter delight as Dame Dolly, whose ease on stage and charming wit take crowd work to new levels. Paul Hawkyard, with his Brian Blessed-like boom, plays Ivan Tobebooed with perfect villainous flair. Reality TV winner Sario Solomon, from BBC’s Let It Shine, charms with flawless vocals, while Emily Tang brings powerful mystique to Princess Jasmine. Tommy Carmichael’s infectious energy adds a jubilant bounce to every scene. And, as a standout among a cast of scene-stealers, Rowan Armitt-Brewster shines as Officer PC World with his undeniable gift for physical comedy.
Genie, I wish for japes and shenanigans! Every moment of this larger-than-life production is packed with songs to get your hands clapping, dance numbers to get your feet stomping, and jokes so cringey you might struggle to survive the second-hand embarrassment. Featuring a mix of fresh contemporary hits and beloved classics, Edwin Gray (musical arranger & drums), Alex Faulkner (keys), and Neil Morgan (guitar) thoroughly entertained audiences of all ages. The expertly choreographed dance numbers by Hayley Del Harrison were brimming with flips, tricks, and everything in between. The standout musical performance of the night was Aladdin’s triumphant return to The Shambles Souk, set to Paul Simon’s Call Me Al.
To see my full review, please visit Northern Arts Review
See you in the shadows my loves,
Sean x
