Aladdin – Darlington Civic Theatre

Writer/ Executive Producer:Jon Conway

Director:David Fleeshman

Reviewer:Linda Barker

Aladdin - Chico ‘It’s Chico time’ in Darlington as the 2005 ‘X-Factor’ quarter-finalist heads the cast of the Civic Theatre’s pantomime, ‘Aladdin.’ With an enormous stage presence, that also fills the auditorium, the effervescent performer is perfect for panto and he excels in the role of principal boy. He’s got the looks, he’s got the moves and he’s got the voice – in fact, he’s got the whole package and he knows what to do with it.

He shares the bill with Robin Colvill and Graham Walker, founder-members of the comedy group The Grumbleweeds, who play Sergeant Wishee and Pc Washee, the Chinese Policemen. To my delight, they were as side-splittingly funny as I remember from their 1980s glory days when they were the staple of Saturday night light entertainment on the box.

Magician and children’s TV presenter Max Somerset is suitably heinous as the evil Abanazar and he bears more than just a passing resemblance to Alistair McGowan, the impressionist and comedian. Bobby Bennett, one of the country’s leading pantomime dames takes the role of Widow Twankey and does so with aplomb, donning the expected array of outlandish costumes.

Sarah Brown, a glamorous Princess Jasmine, has a powerful voice that defies her diminutive stature and delights the audience. Yu Yin, from the Chinese State Circus, plays the Princess’s lady in waiting who is struck dumb by the evil Abanazar, in order that his wicked scheme does not come to light. She is absolutely amazing during a routine that involves juggling Chinese parasols with her hands and feet, and spinning plates on sticks whilst demonstrating her considerable skill and dexterity. Bubu Endresz, from the Blackpool Tower Circus, as the Genie of the Lamp, is also incredibly talented and he, too, astounds the audience with a range of circus skills and acrobatics.

An ensemble of six, and babes from Joanne Banks Dancers, flesh-out the crowd scenes in the city of old Peking and the musical numbers, too.

Over the years, special effects – along with the slapstick, audience participation and cross-dressing – have become a required element of panto, and this production has its fair share, including Abanazar’s staff which shoots flames upon demand. However, the technical wizardry doesn’t get in the way of the narrative and it is the story that dominates the proceedings, as should be the case. Aladdin

Jon Conway, a director of Qdos Entertainment, has penned the script and his panto expertise is abundantly evident. Every box on the list is ticked, at least once, and the cast never waste a single line.

So, if you want a show filled with adventure, mystique, stunning sets, fabulous costumes, comedy and songs, climb aboard your magic carpet or take a rickshaw ride to Darlington Civic Theatre and experience some exotic Far Eastern promise – you won’t regret it!