Aladdin – Fairfield Halls, London

Writer: Jon Monie

Director: Sarah Redmond

Sometimes you don’t have to have big stars to pull off a big pantomime. While this year Wimbledon boasts Craig Revel Horwood and Richmond hosts Mr and Mrs Paul Merton, the Croydon celebrity is someone who used to be in EastEnders. But this has not deterred Fairfield Halls from putting on a spectacular show that gives children plenty to do.

The EastEnders star and, as he reminds us, a quarter-finalist of Strictly is Davood Ghadami who plays Abanazar with gleeful campness, obviously enjoying the pantomime style. Resplendent in purple robes, Ghadami rushes around the stage relishing the boos that greet every scene he is in.

But this Aladdin doesn’t rely on its one big name; instead, this is a real team effort where each member of the cast has their time in the spotlight. Perhaps getting most of the laughs is Richard J Hunt’s dame Widow Twankey who manages to exude glamour and leeriness in equal measure. Hunt seems a natural at this kind of end-of-the-pier humour.

Also bringing the comedy is Wishee Washee who acts as the narrator of the show. Charlie Guest seems very relaxed in the role and manages to herd cats at the end when the children come up on stage at the end for a singalong. He copes very well.

So often in pantomimes, the heroes are the dullest characters but here Kian Zomorodian’s Aladdin is someone you actually care about, with children in the audience shouting out warnings to him when he meets Abanazar for the first time. Milkshake!’s Keira-Nicole is Aladdin’s love interest, and although she has little to do in the first half, her Princess Jasmine proves to be a very modern woman in the second half.

With support from Mark Peachey as the Emperor, Ross Dorrington as a very up-for-it Genie of the Lamp and Xenoa Campbell-Ledgister as Spirit of the Ring, this Aladdin is entertaining from start to finish. With new lyrics gracing songs from The Weeknd, Dua Lipa and ABBA, there’s always something going on and the bright colourful costumes for everyone are eye-popping. A version of Padam Padam towards the end of the show is very impressive and could also be the finale.

The dancing ensemble is joined by young children from South London’s All The Arts Theatre School and from Bright Sparks Performance Theatre and Dance Academy. Giving local young people the chance to perform on stage in panto season is a custom that seems to dying, so hats off to Fairfield Halls and UK Productions.

Perhaps most impressive of all is there is no scrimping on the story. Writer Jon Monie and director Sarah Redmond are in no hurry and invest in an atmosphere which keeps the kids enthralled and, in one scene in a dark cave, even a little thrilled. With smutty double entendres and magic tricks aplenty, this Aladdin is wonderfully traditional where everyone is guaranteed a good time.

Runs until 7 January 2024