Review: Aladdin – Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Panto season has arrived, oh yes it has, and the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is a perfect panto to start this fun fest off in the traditional style!
A visit to the Theatre Royal is always a pleasure, to see the splendour of this Georgian building, add in a fabulous traditional family panto and you’re set for a perfect trip out for all the family.
No fancy laser shows here, just brilliant story telling like it should be. This year the theatre turns it’s hand to Aladdin the tale of the ordinary boy who dreams of winning the hand of the beautiful Princess Yasmin (Darcy Manning – what a voice!).
Writer Chris Hannon has put a slightly different spin on the story, with Aladdin (Samuel Deghkhadirian) working as a bell-boy in the Hotel Abanazer, apart from that the story still features everything you remember from the original Arabian Nights Tale (or Disney movie).
A superb cast, all are a credit to this production, but special mentions for Lizzie Buckingham as Camilla the Camel, a non-speaking part but her portrayal of a camel was amazing and she must have spent hours studying these creatures as she was truly convincing as this graceful beast!
Stealing the show for me Charlie Cameron as the Genie, much like Robin Williams did in the Disney movie, she brings her own character to the role.
Add to that a great dame, (Quinn Patrick) and a boo-able Abanazer, (David Djemal) and a supporting chorus of youngesters, this is one panto worthwhile of your time this festive season, you will come away with a smile on your face!
Aladdin is at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds until 12th January, 2025 – Box office 01284 769505 or online www.theatreroyal.org.
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine