Review: Aladdin *****

When X Factor’s Gary Barlow described an act as being like “the opening of a bad pantomime in Scarborough” he clearly hadn’t seen this year’s production of Aladdin at the Spa Theatre

From the beautifully-written prologue to the fabulous finale, Aladdin is two hours of solid family entertainment.

This is a pantomime with no big names but plenty of big talent in the cast. As Abanazar, Glynn Mills is outstanding. He is powerful and imposing but never overly frightening and eventually becomes a villain you love to hate.

Tony Peer’s productions always stick to tradition and in Pippa Cole they have a glamorous principal boy and teamed with Rebecca Christian as the Princess they blend beautifully together. Pacy, vibrant and bright, Aladdin has just the right balance of comedy, song and dance skilfully blended to appeal to everyone from tiny tots to bus pass holders.

So, Gary, if you’re in the Scarborough area, do pop in to Aladdin – you may be temped to eat your words because this Scarborough panto is just one big winner that’s not to be missed.

To January 1