Panto time at Rugby with Aladdin
Aladdin at Rugby Theatre running until – 2 February 2025. Written by Kevin Bright. Directed by Emma Bright.
Photography by Robert Warner and Martin Pulley.
Review by Ann Evans
We’re almost at the end of Pantomime season – Oh yes we are! And this year I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing quite a few pantos – each one bringing its own brand of humour, charismatic heroes and villains, and talented young dancers.
This week, until 2 February it’s Rugby Theatre’s production of the magical story of Aladdin, which has all the ingredients for a fabulous family night’s entertainment with laughter, slapstick, song, dance, audience participation and lots of silliness!
Rugby Theatre’s version of Aladdin is written by Kevin Bright and directed by Emma Bnght. The live band comprises of Elinor Davies – Musical Direction and keyboard, Tillie Coles on lead guitar, Cameron Hopwood on bass guitar, Tim Sell wind and Robin Payne drums.
The show is packed full of music, songs, and energetic, colourful dance routines performed brilliantly by the chorus of 22 dancers, choreographed by Carrie Gamble and Kristel Bianco.
As with all good pantos, the Pantomime Dame takes a leading role, and Stephen Bradnam as Widow Twankey plays her part to perfection although the biggest round of applause (tiny spoiler alert) came when Widow Twankey was magicked by the Genie of the Lamp (Matt Wilson) into a little version of herself and the cutest little mini Widow Twankey (Ruairi O' Meara) twirled onto the stage to the delight of the entire audience.
Other strong characters were the Sultan of Agrobah (Kevin Bright) and the one we all loved to boo, Abanazer (Ash Hirons). Phil Matthews as Wishy Washy remained the cheerful chappie regardless of how much paste and goo ended up slapped on him and camping it up brilliantly was Adam Rowinski as the Spirit of the Ring.
Credit also to the ladies with Gemma Tilley doing a delightful job as Aladdin and Jayde Dankaro as Princess Yasmin. There were some other delightful pairings in the show, namely Nick (Kirsty Bright) and Rob (Rosie Fuller) the Sultan’s police officers; and the crazy Wally (Gemma Kettle) and Waldo (Suzanne Swan) who were just so funny from start to finish. Well done to all the cast in fact who each played their roles excellently ensuring there wasn’t a dull moment in the whole story.
As Director Emma Bright points out in her address to the audience, every single person, whether on stage, behind the scenes or front of house, are a testament to the shared passion for the arts and Rugby Theatre’s unwavering commitment to bring a little magic into your lives. And that’s exactly what Aladdin has done. I believe there are still a few seats left, so if you get chance book your tickets soon.
For tickets please go to: https://www.rugbytheatre.co.uk/
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