Lyceum, Sheffield – until 5th January 2026
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
4****
Get yourself ready for an evening of fun and laughter for this year’s panto, Aladdin.
You are greeted with a small welcome and Christmas warm up by the enthusiastic and talented musical director James Harrison. You will not find anyone with as much passion for panto’s as this man.
I felt the panto was a little slow in getting people warmed up, the first half felt a little bit too rehearsed and scripted rather than the funny ad-libbing that comes with pantos. As with all pantos the flow of them is helped along by audience participation and this was lacking a little at first. The second half however was much better, the cast seemed more relaxed and the audience were getting more involved and the hilarities were flowing.
Sheffield’s very own panto legend Damian Williams plays Dame Dolly, and as in previous years does a great performance.
Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton plays the villain of the show, Ivan Tochacha, and there were references to Strictly throughout. Kevin as always amazes with his dancing but who knew that he could also sing.
Evie Pickerill who the kids will know from Cbeebies took on the part of the Spirit of the Ring. She had an element of funniness about her as well as impressive vocals.
Aladdin himself was played by Sario Solomon and Princess Jasmine by Lauren Chia. I loved Lauren’s vocals and she certainly looked the part. The pair performed well together and showed a good connection.
You had to laugh at the Policeman, if only for his name “PC World” which made me chuckle every time, played by George Akid returning after doing an amazing performance in last year’s Panto.
When Aladdin flies on the magic carpet, this is cleverly done with the use of projection and lighting.
The costumes were vibrant and bright and how Dame Dolly manages all the costume changes is beyond me.
There was a range of songs throughout and I especially like the part when the cast press the buttons and little snippets of different songs are played as a funny conversation type scene.
There is reference to the 6-7 viral meme, that for the older generation probably goes over your head, but this made the younger generation laugh.
The show ended with the classic fairytale wedding, and everyone got up to have a bit of a dance and you were invited to take photos and videos.
Christmas is not Christmas without having seen a panto and you are never too old to shout out and get involved.