Review: Aladdin ***

It takes a brave management to totally rebrand and repackage what has been a tradition in Leeds for generations. But this year The City Varieties has made a startling departure from the style of pantomime it has become known for.

Aladdin is exactly what it is billed as, a rock ‘n’ roll pantomime. It’s not a show for young children, but with its 60s and 70s rock hits it’s ideal for older children and sheer delight for mums, dads and grandparents. For Aladdin is a show guaranteed to have them dancing in the aisles with songs such as I’m a Believer, Tutti-Fruiti and Wild Thing. The hardworking multi-talented cast, sing and play musical instruments to perfection and are on stage all the time. The speed and energy of this production is amazing and refreshingly different.

There are some excellent comedy interludes that bring the pantomime element to the show from Matthew Daines as Widow Twankey, a firm favourite with the Varieties audience.

As Aladdin, Dan de Cruz has high impact energy and is a dynamic singer whilst Sarah Mahony is a believable vivacious Princess.

If you’re looking for a Christmas show with a difference then this new generation rock ‘n’ roll panto is certainly for you.

To January 8.