A guest review by Karen Cannard, presenter at Suffolk Sound and columnist for the Bury Free Press
Photo Credit Neil Baxter
If you’ve already reserved tickets for Aladdin at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t, I suggest you book quickly. Panto lovers won’t want to miss out on this feelgood flurry of clever song, wit and dance with its contemporary-influenced baddie who is guaranteed to bring out the most deserving of boos. Being a regular since 2006, my pitch to you is that this year’s Aladdin is one of the best yet. It feels fresh, daring in parts and modern – yet with traditional strands running through its theatrical veins.
An early scene welcomes us to the Grand Abanazer hotel, a visual treat inspired by Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. In the lobby, we are greeted by the cast – waking us up to a beautiful morning in this season’s pantoland. It’s also where Aladdin (Samuel Deghkhadirian) works as chief bellhop alongside his overstretched but still very jolly colleague Washy (Ruby Ablett) – all under the watchful command of their ruthless power-hungry boss, Abanazer (David Djemal), the hotelier from hell.
Photo Credit Neil Baxter
Of course, Abanazer has a dastardly plan to marry Princess Yasmin (Darcy Manning) so he can rule Arabia. His actions are worthy of every boo you can muster. You should see how he treats the glamorous but credit-poor widow Sally Swankey (Quinn Patrick) and Aladdin’s charming pet camel Camilla (Lizzie Buckingham). You’ll certainly enjoy the comic schadenfreude of how he gets his comeuppance in the Laundromat – oh yes you will. But alas, there are consequences for his humiliation. In revenge, Abanazer sends poor Aladdin on a perilous journey in search of the magic lamp and the Genie within – a tudor-robed northerner whose duty is to grant three wishes to whoever is bestowed with the ring of power. You’ll note that Genie, played by Charlie Cameron, is never in the same scene as Vizzy, Princess Yasmin’s very efficient PA. I love a character double-up.
Photo Credit Neil Baxter
Those are enough spoilers for now. The rest, you’ll just have to discover for yourself. Will Yasmin fall in love with Aladdin? What fates awaits Abanazer? Will Sally Swankey remain in Arabia or return to her friends in Bury St Edmunds? And…what about the magic carpet?
Supported by the talented performers from the Young Chorus, whose brilliant song, dance and delivery add to the joyous spectacle, this modern and eclectic take on a traditional tale will certainly leave you with a post-panto glow that will brighten up the dark days of the winter ahead.
Aladdin is at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds – Saturday 23 November 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025.
Visit the website for details, also featuring Family Saver performances and access performances, including BSL Interpreted, Audio Described, Touch Tour, Relaxed and Captioned.
Tickets available online here
To hear more from Karen, tune into her weekly radio show on Suffolk Sound, 12-2pm Wednesday lunchtimes, or on Listen Again.
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