Blackpool's Aladdin One Of The Best Pantomimes Of The Season

If you are looking for a spectacular but highly traditional pantomime that dispenses pure magic, then Aladdin in The Globe at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is for you.

Once again, Stageworks World Wide Productions has created what must be one of the most spectacular pantomimes in the country. No matter the age of the audience, from tiny tots to bus pass age, this show is sure to leave them in wonder and awe.

Prepare to be blown away by the specialist lighting and special effects, video, water curtain, aerialists, and a set that incorporates an imposing gold staircase and reaches to the top of the Globe, incorporating box sets at the side—an ingenious move that keeps the action moving and the audience focused.

The glitzy and glamorous costumes have the Stageworks stamp on them—literally hundreds of lavish rhinestones, feathers, and sequins embellished in both rich oriental colours and the palest pastels. 

Taken from the Tales of the Arabian Nights, Aladdin is a story as old as time, telling the tale of the rags-to-riches tale of a washerwoman’s son. 

Adam Slavin’s script stays true to the original story yet at the same time incorporates all the traditional pantomimefavourites,s without which pantomime wouldn’t bepantomime,e including lots of local connections and topical references.

Co-directors Steven and Alexa Robinson have created a seamless, fast-moving production. The red and gold opening is their most spectacular ever. The pulsating music and red and orange strobe lighting serve as an overture to the wonders you are about to experience.

Lynsey Brown’s choreography can only be described as creatively amazing and technically perfect in every way, incorporating many dance styles and performed by an exceptionally proficient ensemble.

There’s plenty of audience participation, especially in the warm-up before the opening when the lovable and human dynamo that is Wishee Washee (Dave Cross) whips up the audience to a shout-out frenzy. 

Aladdin has an extremely talented dream team of a cast who work as a team supporting each other. 

Ashley Luke Lloyd (Aladdin) and Sarah Ward (Princess Jasmine) are the stuff pantomime romantic characters are made of. They look good, make their roles totally believable, and blend beautifully together in the duets.
There’s a standout performance from West End performer Ian Oswald, who is one of the best Abanazars I have seen for a long time—and I have seen a lot. He is powerful, imposing, and evil but never overly frightening. As his wife, Fortulicious Charlotte Dawson has created a wicked but not overly menacing and humorous character—together they become the villains you love to hate.

Kelsey Beth Crossley’s Spirit of the Ring has many different dimensions—but no spoilers here—which shows how versatile she is. 

A traditional dame comes in the guise of Del Willden (Widow Twankey), who is brash and in-your-face and comes with a garish array of frocks. Completing the cast are Luke Moore, a believable Genie of the Lamp; aerialist Alexei Kofanov; and Jenson Birchall as two very athletic policemen.

Aladdin is one of the best pantomimes of the season and achieves pantomime perfection in every way—it's well worth making the journey to Blackpool to see a production that will literally take your breath away.

Aladdin runs at The Globe, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort untill 24th December. To book tickets call 0871 222 9090

Liz Coggins is a Member of the Critics Circle