Get Out More......................................Panto Review

ALADDIN (Birmingham Hippodrome)

28-12-2007

It’s our second review of The Hippo’s Xmas panto. Does that mean it’s twice as good as anything else around this festive season? Terry Wills thinks so.

Pantomimes! They’re just for children aren’t they?

“Oh yes they are… “Oh no they’re not! Yep it’s pantomime time and to celebrate their 50th anniversary the Birmingham Hippodrome has pulled out a real cracker - one guaranteed to leave audiences screaming for ‘more’ as the curtain closes on a blockbuster that has everything you could wish to see from what’s traditionally described as ‘The Country’s Biggest and Best Pantomime”

This year it’s Aladdin, he who falls in love with a beautiful princess, is described as ‘The Chosen One’ by his arch enemy Abanazar, and has to undergo a series of escapades before peace and joy is celebrated by all - with the exception of Abanazar of course!

From the opening scenes, Abanazar hissed by everyone, the screeching ‘Exterminate, Exterminate’ voices of the Daleks, both offset by excited cheers as ‘our hero’ makes his entrance (clad in the first of a range of splendid colourful and no doubt very expensive costumes) the stage is set for a joyous evening.

John Barrowman plays Aladdin to perfection. Better known for his time travels in Doctor Who and ‘Captain Jack’ in Torchwood, he’s completely at ease whether singing or dancing, perfectly rounded off when as in all pantos he invites a young boy on stage to ask if he knew the name of the nasty man who was trying to steal his lamp?

Much amusement as the shy youngster replies “It’s Havabanana!” THAT’S the true spirit of Pantomime and long may it reign

There’s barely a moment when the audience aren’t chuckling, especially when, courtesy of Bogglevision, the Magical 3D Genie puts in an appearance accompanied by flying birds and other creatures including a Monstrous Snake. But more of that in due course.

Paul Elliott, the shows producer has assembled a talented cast. The Grumbleweeds, a pair of hapless policemen, have many comical scenes, while Birmingham’s own Don MacLean who first took this role at the Hippodrome back in 1994, is a splendid Widow Twankey.

Despot Abanazar, Pete Gallagher, gives a suitably villainous performance. Evoking the not unexpected response when snarling lines in the mode of “Birmingham. Second City? Birmingham second rate city!” But moving with the times, in his attempt to procure Aladdin’s Magic lamp it’s amusing to see him trundle on stage pushing a cart proclaiming “Newlampsforold.com!

As in all Pantomimes there are up to date jokes based on current affairs. Television programmes, missing Government CD’s and almost inevitably Birmingham City Council!

Japanese born Masashi Fujimoto, an opera singer of renown, incorporates his own rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’ into his role of the Emperor. Lila McConigly, a beautiful girl with a voice to match, is an enchanting Princes Yasmin while the talented dancing ensemble seem determined to prove this could be a stepping stone on the way to more individual performances should they be given the opportunity.

And let’s not forget the youngsters from the Birmingham Stage School. They ‘boast’ the proud record of providing talented children of varying ages on a regular basis - proved by the fact that this is their 20th Hippodrome Pantomime.

But despite the wealth of ‘human’ talent THE star of Aladdin is the incredibly brilliant technique of the 3D film Bogglevision.

All patrons are handed a pair of glasses as they enter the theatre, most seemingly puzzled as to what to expect when the announcement tells “It’s time to put on your glasses”.

Why? Out of nowhere and into the audience ‘flies’ the Genie of the Lamp plus birds, a giant spider and a hissing snake. Excited children ducked and weaved to prevent being ‘hit’, many of the adults also deciding it was better to be safe than sorry! And looking around I espied several kiddies reaching out in a vain attempt to touch the Snake seemingly hovering within touching distance.

Subjectively Aladdin has to be the best ever Hippodrome Pantomime. Magnificent sets. Opulent costumes. Talented all round performances rounded off by the ‘Magic of Bogglevision’. What more can be asked from a family entertainment show? Miss it at your peril.

To see Pete Millington's review of Aladdin, click here

Seen any of this year’s festive shows?

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