As the festive season gets into full swing, the annual pantomime extravaganza at the King’s Theatre has begun its run, entertaining children and adults alike as the build up to Christmas continues. Panto season at the King’s is a a part of the local festive tradition and is as integral to Glasgow celebrations as a turkey dinner, Mariah Carey on the radio and the twinkling Christmas lights of George Square (which look particularly impressive this year).
The current production of Aladdin whisks the audience off to the the familiar exotic landscape of the classic story – complete with a genie, magic lamp and a flying carpet that makes a big entrance.
Elaine C Smith – a long standing matriarch of the pantomime world – returns to the stage in the starring role of Widow Twankey, alongside her son Wishee Washee played by children’s favourite Johnny Mac with his catchphrase “I’m enjoying myself!”
Appreciated by both adults and the weans, Smith and Mac prove they are pantomime royalty with comedy gold moments from the well-choreographed slapstick comedy routines. They also know exactly how to encourage audience participation and deliver one-liners with exceptional comic timing.
There’s nice moments when the dialogue strays to local locations, with punchlines delivered with a knowing smile.
From the first burst of song on stage, the show is packed full of energetic choreography, pyrotechnics, magic trickery, singalong numbers, audience participation and comedy moments which make an impact and demand the audience’s attention. Some of the songs were given their own Glaswegian twist and included One More Time by Ariana Grande, Everything I do by Bryan Adams and their very own version of This is Me from The Greatest Showman.
Lee Dillon-Stewart plays the hero Aladdin who wins the heart of the sweet and beautiful Princess Jasmine (Frances Mayli McCann) – both delivering solid vocal performances and quickly became audience favourites.
George Drennan delivers a stellar performance as the baddie Abanazar – encouraging plenty of boos and hisses from the audience. He looked to be thoroughly enjoying his role. Paul-James Corrigan is best known as Stevie on River City but takes a step out of character to play the Imperial Palace Guard with great comic timing. He’s a natural panto patter-merchant.
Aladdin is packed full of boos, cheers and comedy capers. Exactly what you want for a family visit to the theatre. This year’s panto is a great way to commence the countdown to Santa Claus this Christmas.
Aladdin is at the King’s Theatre until 9th January.