Review: ALADDIN, Richmond Theatre

To be frank, Christmas has not begun until you have seen Christopher Biggins sashaying across a stage to the Strictly Come Dancing theme tune in a fuschia pink fringed dress with giant red foam cherries for breasts.

This spectacle is just the start of the heart warming and visually impressive version of Aladdin that comes to Richmond Theatre this Christmas. Writers Jonathon Kiley and Alan McHugh stick closely to traditional story of Aladdin who, with his brother Wishee Washee and mother Widow Twankey, adventure from the markets of Old Peking to the deserts of Egypt as Aladdin chases the hand of the beautiful Princess Jasmine.

Christopher Biggins is the obvious draw here and he is the consummate professional, totally at ease with the audience, however ridiculous he looks. There is a section at the end where four children from the audience are invited on stage and Biggins controls the whole section with sensitivity and great humour. There is a reason why he is a legend of pantomime and he is a joy to watch here.

Count Arthur Strong is nicely gruff as Emperor Ming and Rikki Jay works his socks off to raise the laughs as Wishee Washee, however weak some of the puns are that he is given. Bob Harms could be more villainous as Abanazar, but showcases the strongest singing voice in the cast.

The comedy is definitely directed more towards the children, with politics and world events generally avoided. There is little innuendo, but parts of the show are very funny indeed. One particular scene outside the Imperial Palace sees a chaotic song and dance routine where Biggins has far too much fun with a policeman's truncheon.

It is hard to be in any way politically correct when watching a pantomime, but the character of Princess Jasmine, played by Denquar Chupak, is just a little too sweet and weak in the face of adversity. A few smart lines and clever repostes would have been welcome, rather than the traditional, one-dimensional simpering woman controlled by all the men.

Mike Coltman's costume design is fantastically over the top; Biggins' multitude of costumes become more outrageous and creative as the show goes on. From a mummy carrying Biggins in a cage, to a Ming vase, they are all brilliantly imaginative. The costumes for the ensemble are also eye-catching, bright and sparkly.

The multiple sets are also intricate and colourful. Visually, this is a very engaging show.

The excellent work of visual effects artists The Twins FX is in evidence here for Aladdin's magic carpet ride, which is cleverly executed. The children are spellbound as Aladdin actually swoops over the stalls audience, seemingly floating on air.

It's a shame that the same effort was not taken over the Genie, who is a large rubber figure with poor animatronic head that flops from the wings onto the side of the stage at various points. It is underwhelming to say the least.

Pierce Tee's musical direction is excellent and radiates fun and vibrancy through the theatre. The addition of some well-known pop songs from bands such as One Direction and Clean Bandit is a good way of involving the younger members of the audience and there is dancing aplenty.

This is a very feel good show with plenty of festive sparkle. With so many pantomimes to choose from, Aladdin at Richmond is a very good bet for some great entertainment.

Aladdin is at Richmond Theatre until 14 January 2018

Photo Credit: Craig Sugden

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