Aladdin – Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Writer and Director: Paul Hendy

Dancing star Kevin Clifton is a devilish delight in this exceptional festive feast as the Marlowe Theatre continues its legendary run of pantomimes, with this year’s production of Aladdin being yet another Christmas cracker.

This is your typical pantomime version of Aladdin, where the titular character (played by Alistair So), seeks fortune in an attempt to win Princess Jasmine’s (Lauren Chia) hand in marriage. Alongside the pair are a fantastic ensemble cast, led by Marlowe Pantomime Dame stalwart Ben Roddy, and a returning Phil Gallagher (aka Mister Maker), who bring the audience along on a ride of jokes, songs and beautifully choreographed routines in what is a spellbinding production.

Clifton’s portrayal of the dastardly Ivan, desperate for the Genie’s Lamp, is wickedly funny and the former Strictly Come Dancing professional is given plenty of opportunity to show off his incredible dancing repertoire. Clifton, though, proves he is not just a slick mover, pulling on his musical theatre experience to lead some of the punchier moments, including a roof-raising, Kent location pun filled version of the Kaiser Chiefs’ iconic ‘I Predict A Riot’, which earns Clifton a deserved rousing reception.

Alongside Clifton is the always funny Ben Roddy, as Dame Dolly, who returns for his 15th pantomime at the Marlowe Theatre. From Dolly’s hysterical first appearance, Roddy oozes control in leading the ensemble through the inevitable chaos that the pantomime brings. Roddy’s comic timing and physicality are just as slick as they ever have been, and it is impressive that Roddy continues, year after year, to make the Dame character feel fresh and exciting. One of the things that makes the Marlowe’s pantomime feel so warm is the family feeling it gives you. Plenty of the cast have performed on the stage in pantomime before, and Roddy deservedly sits at the head of this family’s table.

Making his return to the Marlowe stage is Phil Gallagher, whose role as Charlie fulfils the ‘Buttons’ type role in this show. Gallagher’s quick wit bounces well in the double act he quickly forms with Roddy’s Dolly, and, just like Roddy, Gallagher’s performance makes the show feel in safe hands despite the chaos that unfolds with audience participation and a plethora of quickly delivered puns. There are a few cheeky mentions for Gallagher’s alter-ego, Mister Maker, but Gallagher’s willingness to laugh at himself, as well as those around him, is well received.

Alistair So and Lauren Chia, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine respectively, get more stage time than you might expect for a pantomime’s lead characters. It is perhaps a gamble that pays off, as while the love story is not particularly rife with jokes, there is genuine warmth and chemistry between the two which enables the quickly blossoming love story to feel genuine. Both performers also rely on their extensive respective musical theatre backgrounds to lead the more typically musical theatre routines, but equally demonstrate a clear ability to hyperbolise in true panto form when needed.

Rounding off the leading cast is Courtney Bowman (Spirit of the Ring), Shannon Farrell (Genie of the Lamp) and Zain Abrahams’ goofy policeman, aptly named ‘PC World’. Bowman and Farrell are superb in their mystical roles, with Bowman perhaps ever so slightly underused given her shine on stage. Bowman and Farrell though do get moments to shine in the second half during a powerful duet, which is coupled with a delightfully silly slapstick musical routine. In addition, Abrahams’ silly policeman gets some deserving laughs throughout, testament to Abrahams’ delivery when alongside the powerful presence of Roddy and Gallagher.

The pantomime is supported by an incredible ensemble cast who deliver Simon Barnum’s choreography with aplomb. Furthermore, the production is supported by wonderful acrobatic quartet ‘The Black Diamonds’, whose feats are at times genuinely jaw-dropping and even a little terrifying. This is a pantomime which is enhanced by its beautiful staging and clever magic work. Morgan Brind’s set and costume design sparkle under Jack Weir’s lighting choices, and the production continues to push boundaries with the special effects, with a particular highlight being the spectacle of Aladdin riding his magic carpet in Act 2.

As noted earlier, the production captures that family feel, and alongside the on-stage performers, this is extended to musical director Chris Wong, returning for his 29th pantomime season in Canterbury. Affectionately dubbed ‘Uncle Chris’ by the performers, it has been lovely to see Wong’s involvement in the show increase over the years, with this year being no exception as the musical director gets his moment in the spotlight as the piece reaches its finale.

You know what to expect when you go to the pantomime at the Marlowe. Stunning effects, an impressive cast and some genuinely funny jokes all combine for the perfect way to start the festive season. This is a superb spectacle which will mesmerise young and old, with the Marlowe continue to succeed with its winning panto formula.

Runs until 7 January 2024.