REVIEW: Aladdin at Oldham Coliseum

kristobel
  • Image credit: Darren Robinson

Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Following the pantomime hiatus of 2020 because of ‘you-know-what’, we’re thrilled that the Oldham Coliseum Christmas show returns for 2021. For many families, festive theatre is inextricably tied up with panto – and if like us, you’re looking for traditional pantomime fun – Oldham Coliseum is THE place to go. 

If like us, you’re looking for traditional pantomime fun – Oldham Coliseum is THE place to go. 

Dust off your magic carpet for the mystical story of Aladdin, written by former Dame and long-time co-writer Fine Time Fontayne and the Coliseum’s Artistic Director, Chris Lawson. Featuring two magical entities – the Jinn of the Lamp (Marc Zayat) and the Spirit of the Ring (Alex Phelps) – the tale follows the familiar Aladdin story, only with an Oldham twist.

Panto villain Abanazar has been replaced by Aunty Banazar (Liz Carney), who arrives from Rochdale in search of Aladdin (Shorelle Hepkin) and the magic lamp. Instructing Aladdin to enter the cave of treasures to get the lamp for her, the evil Aunt tricks Aladdin and locks him inside the cave. Helped by the Spirit of the Ring, Aladdin conjures up Marc Zayat’s splendid Jinn of the Lamp, a fantastical rapping hippy. Meanwhile, on the outside, Aunty Banazar has kidnapped Aladdin’s love interest Princess Jasmine ( Dora Rubinstein) and is holding her hostage in the depths of the old Belle Vue Funfair. 

Image credit: Darren Robinson

Interacting with the audience throughout the show, the cast all sparkle with energy and enthusiasm. Oldham panto regular Richard J Fletcher is a comedy hit as Dame Widow Twanky; super smiley and vocally brilliant Sam Glen springs into the role of Wishee Washee and Shaun Hennessy gets lots of laughs as The Emperor.

Once again, Celia Perkins’ wonderful picture-book set design is a real treat and David Bintley’s lively musical score bounces along with many current hits and some older classics. There are plenty of opportunities to sing and dance along and all of the usual pantomime traditions are observed (oh yes they are).

An upbeat, hilarious show packed with charming performances and utter professionalism.

Energetic performances, fabulous costumes and a genuinely witty script (with gags for kids and grown-ups) – all in a theatre where everybody feels part of the action – Aladdin at Oldham Coliseum is an upbeat, hilarious show packed with charming performances and utter professionalism.

-Kristy Stott

Aladdin plays at Oldham Coliseum until Saturday 8 January 2022.