Magic, mayhem and magnificent Dame Dolly: Sheffield's Aladdin shines

It’s that time of year again, its back and once again, it’s been well worth waiting for, I am of course talking about the traditional Christmas pantomime at the Sheffield Lyceum, which this year is Aladdin.

As in previous years, Aladdin has been written and directed by Paul Hendy. It doesn’t disappoint as there is something to please all ages, even the grumpiest of Christmas scrooges won’t be able to resist a sneaky smile or a giggle.

The ingredients for a successful panto are here in abundance: A young enthusiastic and talented singing and dancing ensemble, ever more flamboyant and colourful costumes, plenty of audience participation from the word go, water pistols and throughout the show, fabulous toe tapping music (if at times a tad loud). Further delight for the audience is provided by the many humorous local references to Sheffield and surrounding areas which litter the script throughout the performance

However, the key to any successful pantomime has to be the Dame, and once again this year, Damian Williams, a much-loved veteran at the Lyceum, plays the magnificent Dame Dolly. From the moment Williams comes onto the stage, he connects with the audience using his ‘Lever of Love’ to select from the audience a suitable chap to swoon over during the performance. His costumes, ever more colourful and outrageous, combined with a plentiful array of facial expressions, were a delight to behold, and both children and adults alike laughed out loud at his many antics.

Kevin Clifton of Strictly Come Dancing fame took the part of the ‘baddie’ Ivan Tochacha, and as you may expect, there were plenty of opportunities for him to showcase his dancing skills. Moreover, the interaction between him and Dame Dolly was a joy. Their comic timing was perfection itself throughout the performance - not least their many (unscripted) ad libs kept the audience in stitches. Further humour was brought to the stage by George Akid as PC World, who, along with Charlie (Joey Wilby) just kept the jokes coming as well as being instrumental in keeping the show moving along at pace.

Lauren Chia was perfectly cast as Princess Jasmine, as was Sario Solomon in the title role of Aladdin. Evie Pickerill of CBeebies fame, took the role of Spirit of the Ring whilst Elliot Broadfoot was the jovial Genie of the Lamp.

The band were placed in the boxes either side of the stage and were once again enthusiastically led by Musical Director, James Harrison, who even took to the stage at one point to strut his stuff. His energy knows no bounds!

A special mention must be made of Aladdin’s magic carpet and also to Nellie and Wellie, the elephants and the Egyptian Mummies!

The creative team have developed a tried and tested formula which delivers a superb pantomime year after year, but I think that this really is the best to date. There is something to please everyone in this production, it really is a fabulous show and is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit with some much needed joy, happiness and laughter.

James Harrison (Musical Director) and Members of the Company in Aladdin Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Aladdin is on at Sheffield Lyceum until 4th January 2026