Review: Aladdin

Evolution Productions have really pulled the genie out of the lamp this year, with a Croydon panto that fizzes and crackles from beginning to end.

Remaining faithful to the traditional story and with all the usual comic interludes, the show nevertheless avoids predictability through the sheer freshness of the script and accomplished performances from a cast that knows how to get a laugh, even from the odd mistimed entry.

Larry Lamb hovers as the ‘evil’ Abanazar, though we almost found ourselves booing out of sheer politeness, such is the aura of likeability that he exudes. A touch of face paint might make him a little more sinister, though he has a great singing voice – and they do say the devil has all the best tunes!

Holding everything together is the enormously talented Quinn Patrick as the ubiquitous, larger than life Widow Twankey. He leads the line of solo artists with assurance throughout and left me wishing I could see more of him as a stand-up comedy act.

Bouncing off him with equal aplomb is Joe Tracini, as Wishee Washee. He’s got a natural ability to make people laugh – perhaps not so surprising when you find out that he’s Joe Pasquale’s son! - a real chip off the old block. Joe carried off the inevitable moments of shy silence, when calling two youngsters up on stage, with warmth and humour; this guy’s just so at home on the stage.

Aladdin - Antony Hansen, a finalist in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, matches his good looks with a subtle stage presence; while Oliver Broad makes a great knockabout PC Pongo, taking every custard pie in his stride. Kelly Chinery (Spirit of the Ring) and Rosa O’Reilly (Princess Jasmine) show that pretty girls can still sing and crack a good joke and last, but by no means least in this all-star cast, Nathaniel Morrison sways and sings his way through his energetic Genie of the Lamp and Paul Tate lords it as a regal Emperor. Supporting the leads is an all-singing, all-dancing group of villagers and mummies, including youngsters from the Kung Fu Schools in south London. The solo and chorus singing is of the highest standard and is underpinned by a trio of lusty musicians led by MD Rob Eckland.

Get along and enjoy. It’s a real recession buster!  

Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls, Croydon (until 2 January 2012) 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk

Chris Wood is resident composer with Guest House Opera and editor of Epsom, Sutton and Cheam Time & Leisure.