Review: Aladdin at Bridlington Spa

Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor headlines the pantomime as the Genie of the Lamp and struts his stuff in dazzling dance routines.

Make no mistake, though, this is not a show arranged to showcase the talents of its headliner and mask their weaknesses as performers in every other regard. He is not above being the butt of the jokes. Windsor is magic on all levels and every scene he is in is integral to the show.

Joe Standerline as Widow Twankey is among the great Dames of pantoland. He leads the regular routines – including the ghost chase and 12 days of Christmas song – with glee and a twinkle in his eye. The stage bursts to life at his every entrance. Returning from last year is Lloyd Warbey. He plays Wishee Washee, who is really Standerline’s comedy partner. He has a natural rapport with the audience especially the young ones who are more than happy to join in with his silliness.

Also returning to the Bridlington stage is Asa Elliott as Aladdin – and a great job he makes of the panto goodie. Michael Garland relished his role of Abanazar and had the audience hissing and booing from his first entrance. Damien Noyce – who has a terrific voice – elevates the role of Emperor of China and Charley Maclaren is a tuneful, dancing Princess Jasmine. There are lovely cameos from Ben Everett Riley and Tim Royon as Keystone Cops-style PCs Ping and Pong.

The productions values on the show are obvious – the sets and costumes are outstanding, the performances polished – though this is panto and a few unscripted hiccups are not only forgiven but expected.

To January 2.