Review: ALADDIN, Wycombe Swan
Photo credit: Matt Martin
Imagine Theatre’s Aladdin at the Wycombe Swan shows what can be achieved when you invest in the three key elements of any stage show: the script , the set and the cast. The production injects a fresh energy to all elements for another outstanding pantomime.
Andrew Pollard is established as a wonderful script writer and his reimagining of Aladdin, set in High Wycombia, is fresh and fun. All of the expected elements are woven into the narrative; the boy peeking at the Princess in the Palace, the laundry sketch, the cave entrance and the magic carpet ride. There are plenty of local and topical gags and enough adult innuendo to amuse the parents.
The latest digital set creates beautiful, animated images and cleverly incorporates video elements to progress the story, as well as ensuring there are slick scene changes and a busy chase sequence. The fixed structure does seem to limit the way the stage is used, and they overuse the cartoon genie rather than in person, but the overall benefit is a magical setting and a new take on the song sheet with two kids.
La Voix is wonderful as Lola Lankey, with a simply brilliant opening monologue which establishes the character and engages delightfully with the audience. The creation is part Dame, part Drag Queen but takes the best of both styles of performance with a quick cutting wit. She combines wonderfully with Vernon Kay. He may be called Vernon Lankey (this year) but is very much the strong natural stage presence of an accomplished radio DJ. He charms the audience with a relaxed, chatty style but also shows his good comic timing in a chocolate pun run, a lip sync DJ set, a tongue twister, the laundry business and a revival of the old ‘Busy Busy Bee’ routine.
The real delight is the extraordinary Gerard Carey as Sven Gali, the villain who wants to get his hands on Aladdin’s “la-amp” and speaks with an outrageous comical Swe-edish accent emphasising the vowels. It is a brilliant creation sustained throughout right into the final ABBA number of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Aladdin (Kyle Richardson) has plenty of charm too and is wonderfully transported on a flying carpet to Sven’s Palace to rescue Jasmine (Amiyah Goodhall). There is a good running gag through the show of being reminded to walk behind La Voix so as to not get in her light. The Flying Carpet ride is a real treat and the tap-dancing camel is another lovely addition.
This is a wonderful production, looking stunning with the animated colourful digital set, and the cast working well together as an ensemble, with each taking turns to lead the comedy to create a magical Christmas pantomime. This Aladdin is definitely worth a visit after Christmas.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Nick Wayne
Aladdin plays at the Wycombe Swan until 5 January 2025, with further info here.