Aladdin

Samuel Deghkhadirian as Aladdin, along with Ruby Ablett as Washy, Quinn Patrick as Dame Sally Swanky, and some of the young cast. Photo credit: Tom Soper Photography

Review by Martine Silkstone


When it comes to the annual Christmas pantomime, Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds always hits the mark - and this year’s production of Aladdin is no exception.

Funny and interactive, with stunning visuals, it manages to entertain on every level and for every age, and has you leaving the theatre with joy in your heart and a spring in your step.

And that’s just what you want from this kind of performance at this time of year.

Now, we are all familiar with the oft-told story of the kind-hearted street urchin, but this is panto, so expect ‘Aladdin’ but not quite as you know it…

In this incarnation, we find our loveable hero (a wonderfully cheeky portrayal by Samuel Deghkhadirian) working as a bellboy in the Grand Abanazar Hotel while mooning over the beautiful Princess Yasmin (the vocally superb Darcy Manning). Meanwhile, his evil boss Abanazar (great work by David Djemal) also has plans to marry her and thus “make Arabia great again” - and yes that is a clue to the character.

So begins our adventure as Aladdin finds himself compelled to head into the forbidden desert in search of a ‘special’ lamp. After discovering the Cave of Wonders and the treasure, he releases the genie (the versatile Charlie Cameron) and returns to the hotel to face his nemesis. Cue some unusual sourcery-based action before, finally, he triumphs and wins the girl with a little help from his friends - Washy (the brilliant Ruby Ablett), Camilla the Camel (sweet Lizzie Buckingham), and Dame Sally Swanky (the rather naughty Quinn Patrick).

All of which is great fun, and included some real ‘wow’ moments - look out for Yasmin singing the West Side Story classic, ‘Tonight’, and a magic carpet scene which is simply…well…magical.

From left: Ruby Ablett as Washy, Quinn Patrick as Sally Swanky, David Djemal as Abanazar, Samuel Deghkhadirian as Aladdin, and Lizzie Buckingham as Camilla the Camel. Photo credit: Tom Soper Photography

Personally, I love the little ‘nuggets’ dotted here and there, including Abanazar’s wrong word choices, Aladdin’s wake up call for a guest, and wait til you see where Swanky keeps her pineapple!

So much to enjoy, and it was lovely to hear the children in the audience having a fabulous time, laughing and joining in throughout.

Special shout out for the young cast who did a grand job, and the creative team behind this production, including writer Chris Hannon, director Owen Calvert-Lyons, set and costume designer Dawn Alsopp, and choreographer Jess Knight. This kind of show seems to highlight how, ultimately, success on stage is a team effort - well done to all involved.

I don’t know how they do it - keeping a lovely clear narrative, while incorporating music, dance, and all the usual panto tropes (oh yes they do). It is simple but clever, gentle but exciting, panto but with a soft sophistication. Put all that in the wonderfully intimate setting of this historic theatre and you have something truly enchanting.

In summary: joyous.

(Yes, there was an odd mistake or technical hitch, but this was opening night and, let’s be honest, in panto that just adds to the fun.)

Book now for a festive treat, or perhaps a joyous start to 2025 - just be prepared to maybe get wet…

Aladdin is at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds until January 12.

FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE