Panto with the Xmas factor

Since the days of the legendary Francis Laidler, The Alhambra has always been synonymous with spectacular pantomimes and this production of Aladdin must rank among its finest.

Not only has it got Bradford’s King of Panto, Billy Pearce – “I’m Aladdin this year”, he chortles – heading a talented cast but it succeeds magnificently in combining breathtaking special effects and illusions with old fashioned traditional pantomime without destroying any of the magic and glamour of this spectacular tale from the Arabian Nights.

Pearce is hardly ever off stage in what is a highly physically charged role for someone who admits to being “a pensioner”. His inimitable brand of humour, with its strong local flavour, energy and vitality, not to mention spinning upside down high above the audience on a magic carpet, never ceases to amaze.

Putting an X-Factor contestant in panto doesn’t always work but in this case Chico proves the exception. As Slave of the Ring his character is believable and he blends into the story beautifully proving his skills go far beyond “Chico Time”.

Jeffrey Harmer as Abanazar is outstanding and just as the perfect dramatic pantomime villain should be; whilst Adam Stafford as Widow Twankey has all the qualities of the archetypal pantomime dame. Masashi Fujimoto is a stern and majestic Emperor with Jenny Gayner as a sweet voiced and beautiful Princess Jasmine.

Having tumbler-gymnasts The Acromanics as The Peeking Police – something I haven’t seen in Aladdin (and I’ve seen a lot) since I was a tiny tot – added an extra dimension to the show, as did replacing the song sheet with a fast, furious and hilarious version of “If I were not in pantomime”, which although it’s been around for more than 60 years, so I am told, literally brought the house down.

With lavish costumes, breathtaking sets, an eclectic mix of music and lashings of comedy Aladdin is one of the few pantos around with a tremendous feel good Xmas factor!

Runs until January 26.

Liz Coggins