10 December 2023 I 18:00 I New Theatre Royal, Lincoln I AD - PR Invite
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Before visiting Lincoln's New Theatre Royal for their 23/24 pantomime Aladdin, I have to admit I was skeptical. For years I have been quite stubborn on the fact that I do not like panto. However, with Aladdin there comes a delightfully engaging show, which works marvels for both adults and children alike. It is very easy to get lost in all the silliness, but NTR take a risk with an extra level of sophistication, featuring extremely high quality talent, becoming a hybrid musical-panto. And it is joyous!! With a wildly diverse mix of live songs interjected into the action, including hits from Bruno Mars, Tom Jones and even the Spice Girls, everyone will know them, and it guarantees a really fun time!
The New Theatre Royal does not have a gigantic stage, and the premise of Aladdin calls for a look of grandeur and wealth. Through Duncan Parker's scenic work and Kimberley Netherton's costume design, the textures, patterns and fabric work really allow this affluence to breathe through the visuals, and you can't help but be drawn in by such beautiful set changes.
Of course every panto needs a Dame, and as Dame Ginger Spice, Chris Clarkson is divine in being utterly bonkers and teasing an audience, getting such wonderful interaction in return. And alongside the wacky yet loveable Chip (Yñaqui Tuason-Inocian), their physical comedy is splendid. The cartoon whacks round the head, slapstick sound work from Ben Huddlestone is incredible for young audiences, they couldn't get enough of it! Occasionally the show has to be wary of comic fatigue, and cramming a lot of jokes together, which might be personal taste, but regardless a lot of gags are very successful!
As a duo, both Matt Alexander-Lautman and Ellie Cooper (Aladdin and Jasmine respectively) give vocal performances that West End greats would be jealous of! Particularly as the spectacle of the magic carpet arises, a rendition of Defying Gravity left me covered in goosebumps! Their love story is well believed, and the talent on display makes them the perfect leading pair.
Starring as Abanazar, Louis Smith MBE is wickedly evil. It really feels like Smith is in his element onstage, he feeds off the 'boo's!' from the audience, and his character work is solidly impressive! And his dance section in the ending scene, breathtaking, I wanted to see more!! Leading each scene with an Eminem song, it allowed for a cohesive theme with each of his moments. And as his personal assistant, my favourite role of the show, Natalie Hayes-Cowley had me in hysterics with her Sirina. Mimicking the traits of your phone's voice assistant, her lines work wonders for comedy, and they way she executes all of her mannerisms is gorgeous. A couple of things might have gone a tad wrong for this evening, though she carries on very professionally, and improvised some of the funniest moments of the whole show!
We are in the presence of greatness with West End leading man Roger Wright, performing as the Genie. I mean, where to begin, his stage presence just feels so captivating, his voice is impeccable and so soulful, the charisma and cheekiness to go a mile! Wright exudes endless star power, so for a magical being, you couldn't wish for a better actor!
Ian Waite is marvellous as Sultan Cha-Cha-Cha, giving such a confidence and regal air to the part. And showcasing some of his glorious moves, Aladdin is a dancing heaven! Claire Stanton's choreography is truly exemplary to create showstopping moments, each incredibly refined and sharp. Especially from Jack Kempson and Raman Parwana, the passion and unbelievably tricky flips and spins are so inspiring for kids to be able to watch, falling in love with the dance element.
It is a pleasure to see Kev Richardson return as musical director after working on CAODS' Elf: The Musical. The live band excel in all they do, well versed in a big range of musical styles. The orchestra pit is open, so we can fully appreciate the live music happening!
Although at times the pacing is occasionally misjudged, Natalie Hayes-Cowley's Aladdin really exceeds my expectations! A dance extravaganza, fire breathing, performers dressed as condiments, this larger than life panto has everything you could possibly want. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to watch this show, and have the chance to completely change what I thought I knew about the world of pantomime. Running until the 7th January 2024, I couldn't recommend Aladdin enough for a wild night of mayhem!
AD - Programme and tickets courtesy of the New Theatre Royal, Lincoln.
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