Buxton Opera House – until 1st January 2022
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
Ornate, beautiful and set amongst stunning gardens, Buxton Opera House is quite the experience. Add to that the magic of a pantomime and you are enveloped in the warmth of Christmas cheer.
Aladdin is a hoot. Fun for both adults and children, the accomplished cast bring to life the story of love against all odds. Set in China, the son of a washer woman and the daughter of a queen meet serendipitously but unlawfully. Can they escape the efforts of various villains who attempt to fulfil their nefarious desires and thwart the lovers efforts to be together?
Colourful sets and energetic dance routines pumped this panto up to the max, but the magic carpet ride was truly a breath taker. However, Buxton’s favourite dame, James Holmes, playing the great Widow Twanky, was the true star of the show. A comedic natural who had both the little and big people roaring with laughter.
At one point he was so funny he caused Aladdin to lose track of his lines, turn away from the audience, have a full belly laugh before composing himself to continue with the camel skit. This just added to hilarity of the show and both the Dame and Aladdin’s brother Wishy Washy rallied around Aladdin to get him back on track.
Numerous costume changes, quick fire add libs and a northern accent that could cut through cement, Dame Widow Twanky, is delight to behold.
It was evident that the cast were enjoying performing as much as the audience were loving the viewing and the constantly encouraged interactions of boo’s, hisses, claps, songs, ‘it’s behind you’ and the like, made it a fully dynamic experience as the best panto ought to be, and as much as a mid-pandemic performance can be.
My only gripe would be that some of the non-classic, song choices were quite dated, as were some of the jokes, so these didn’t land as well as they should have.
Other than that, Aladdin is a wonderful, warm, witty, extravaganza of a pantomime which I would highly recommend you go to see.