Aladdin, Lyceum Theatre , Sheffield Review

Good Points
Good family entertainment.

General Comments
How do you start to review a performance for children which I as a Grandad thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish, the answer is of course that a panto is not just for little kids it is for kids of all ages (1 "90). This was a Sheffield production with a truly Sheffield flavour, my wife and I took our neighbour's 6 year old little girl and this was her first experience of panto, within minutes of the start she was booing at Abanazar (Phil Daniels "Kevin from Eastenders), laughing at Widow Twanky (Damian Williams) and the Chinese Policeman (Bobby Knutt "our Sheffield comedian) and singing with the very competent Ensemble led by Lucy Calvert.

Aladdin was played very well by Kevin Sacre (Jake Dean from Hollyoaks) this being his first panto I am glad he chose Sheffield.

The entire performance was well balanced with good scene changes and some extremely good verbal exchanges between the actors notably the production's version of 'The 12 days of Christmas' which had everyone rolling in the aisles.

A mesmerising 'flying carpet' scene was also worth a mention.

Supporting roles were by George Ikediashi (Genie of the Lamp), Nina French (Genie of the ring), and Roger Butcher (Emperor of China) and last but by no means least the very talented Doncaster girl Sarah Hagan (Princess Jasmine)

In fact the entire production from the 'backroom boys,' the lighting and the orchestra was well worth the visit, oh and by the way, if you do go to a panto this year don't just sit there take part, it is expected.