Review: Mercury panto is a winner!!


The Mercury Theatre Colchester Panto is back with a festive bang this Christmas with a very entertaining production of Aladdin.

Penniless Aladdin is down on his luck. He’s fallen in love with princess Jasmine but her father does not see him as a suitable suiter for his beautiful daughter.  Aladdin meets a long-lost aunt (or is she?) who promises the lad untold riches if he helps her on a mission.  But as always, in panto land, things don’t run smoothly for our hero as poor Aladdin finds himself trapped in a dark dank cave with just an old lamp instead of the gold and jewels that where promised.

James Hameed takes on the role as Aladdin with ease. Perfectly cast and with the most amazing vocals. Aladdin is sure that the ‘power of rock’ will save the day and with a voice that we’re sure that’s to be true.

The Mercury always throws in the odd little twists to the traditional panto storylines, and the introduction of Humphrey the Camel as Aladdin’s sidekick is sure brilliance and the perfect part for Dale Superville, who again wows the audience, his attention to detail was something truly special. 

Our villain of the piece is the evil Fabra Cadabra. Leoine Spilsbury brings something special to the role, not only can she sing, there is also added magic tricks to boot.  Danielle Kassarate as Jasmine and Sasha Latoya as the Genie both too excel in their roles.  In fact, there’s not a bad performance amongst this very talented cast. 

A pantomime wouldn’t be a pantomime without a dame.  Antony Stuart-Hicks again dons those high heels and posh frocks as he returns to the Mercury stage, this year as Widow Twanky.  One of the best in the business, in our opinion, Stuart-Hicks is brilliantly funny and totally watchable.  Many of those lines were probably ‘off script’ but he brings just pure magic to the show. Added, to which the on-stage chemistry between Stuart-Hicks and Superville as the Camel is just genius.  Those two could have their own show…

A strong production with fabulous musical numbers, hilarious comedy and a story well told.  Aladdin is definitely worth the short trip down the A12 to Colchester. A pantomime we would strongly recommend seeing this Christmas. We loved it!

Aladdin is at the Mercury Theatre Colchester until 16th January 2022.  To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01206 573948 or visit  www.mercurytheatre.co.uk  

Review: Wendy Cook – Ipswich24 Magazine
Pictures: Marc Brenner

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