Choosing Aladdin, drawn from the tales of the Arabian Nights, provides a strong and familiar foundation for a pantomime. Its warm, atmospheric setting and well-known characters offer plenty of space for humour, magic and gentle adventure. With markets, palaces and hidden caves shaping the backdrop, the story sits comfortably within the pantomime tradition and gives the production a clear, engaging world in which to play. Extravaganza productions are blessed with not only (arguably) the most beautiful theatre in the North West but a Wurlitzer rising out of the pit pre show and at the interval to really lure the audience into the panto spirit.
Creative Team and Production Quality
The production is strongly shaped by its creative team: Director Richard Chandler, Choreographer James Robinson, and Dance Captain Daisy Piotrowski, all supported by Stage Manager Mike Barnes. Peter Scandrett’s lighting design is vibrant and responsive, enhancing both the magical moments (Aladdin’s cave was sumptuous as the Genie gestured to the different treasures) and the comic scenes. The overall plot structure is guided carefully by the director whose vision keeps the pacing clear and accessible to all ages. James Crickmere’s sound design is clean and balanced, ensuring vocals and orchestra blend well. The sets are visually striking, and the stunning costumes—a real highlight—are by David Vickers and the Extravaganza, with wardrobe supervision by Michaela Walsh, contributing significantly to the show’s visual appeal and a major strength of this production.
Performances
Brian Capron, best known for playing the infamous Richard Hillman in Coronation Street, brings a nasty and villainous Abanazer being bad and getting his comeuppance and is the celebrity sell, keeping the audience engaged throughout. CBBC’s Karim Zeroual gives a charming, boyish Aladdin but doesn’t have enough meat on the character to really work with but had good connection with his brother and the Dame. Aladdin’s brother , Wishee Washee, performed with confidence, quick wit and great repartee, is Scott Gallagher, who commands the stage and delivers many of the show’s biggest laughs. His charisma and comic timing make him the beating heart of the production. The Dame – in Aladdin it is Widow Twanky – was well performed by Barry Bentley but not naughty enough for me and needed more script to truly get some meat to chew on. I also felt she needed more eye make up. Her costumes were excellent and the magic scene was very entertaining and carefully done into the gown changing . Other named parts all played their roles with confidence and were well drilled.
Ensemble and Musical Numbers
The ensemble singing is excellent, and the Extravaganza Dancers are superb. Their energy shines through in every appearance, with all eight members—four male and four female—taking on a variety of smaller roles with skill and versatility. The Fairy of the Ring, performed in a gorgeous costume by Morgan Hughes, delivers a particularly impressive musical moment.
The Act II opener, “Steam Heat” from The Pyjama Game, performed by the Extravaganzas in Widow Twanky’s Laundry, is high-energy, polished and hugely entertaining—a real highlight of the show. While a few soloists occasionally struggled with the vocal demands of their numbers, the enthusiasm and skill of the ensemble easily carried the production
The Extravaganza Dancers are used cleverly and consistently, not only as dancers but as featured performers and character actors. Their strong technique and theatrical flair shine throughout. Two male dancers, in particular, appear as Police Officer 6 and Police Officer 7, receiving spontaneous ripples of approval from the children and groans from the adults—child-friendly additions that delighted younger audience members. The production also includes a sing-along element, where the audience is divided for a playful sing-off between both halves, creating a lively, interactive moment that engages everyone in the theatre singing the KPOP Demon Hunters tune ‘ Golden’. The current youth anthem.
Visual Effects and Finale
Dynamic lighting effects enhance the show, particularly during the magic sequences , where flashing colours and carefully timed cues add energy and excitement. Later, the traditional sing-along song brings the audience together, ending the evening with warmth, humour and the classic communal spirit of pantomime.
Production Summary
This year’s Aladdin is a lavish spectacle. The stunning costumes—a real highlight—by David Vickers and the Extravaganza, with wardrobe supervision by Michaela Walsh— shimmer under the lights and create a festive atmosphere. The music is big and bold, supported by an excellent live orchestra. The sets are visually striking, with Aladdin’s cave a particular highlight. The Fairy of the Ring’s and the Genie’s entrance is handled brilliantly, and the flying carpet sequence is magical, giving even Wicked’s famous gravity-defying moments a run for their money.
In summary, the Stockport Plaza’s Aladdin is a lively, family-friendly production that balances humour, spectacle, music and magic. It captures the sparkle of pantomime tradition . I watched on night two and I am sure that the repartee and opportunities for more audience involvement will grow and grow as the cast learn the Stockport audience. A good night out for young and old.
Aladdin is being performed at Stockport Plaza until 4th January 2026
Reviewer - Kathryn Gorton
On - 6th December 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment