Review: Aladdin @ New Theatre
Aladdin
New Theatre, Cardiff
December 2015
Qdos Entertainment is back at the New Theatre, Cardiff, with this year's magical pantomime, Aladdin, which really goes all out to bring the wonder of this classic story to the families of our great city. With the cast from last year returning (minus Lee Mead, but after last year's performance, I can't say he was missed, and with the addition of Ian "H from Steps" Watkins) to grace our stages once more, it's no surprise that year's panto is just as good as last year's Cinderella, if not better!
The whole production value of the pantomime has been taken up a notch, with every single cast member, including the ensemble and even the little'uns from the Lorri Guppy School of Dance (who make their customary and welcome return) having at least two costume changes. While we're on the subject of costumes, Sam Kane, who not only plays baddy Abanazar but also directs, looks absolutely amazing! Every time he came on, I found myself wanting those outfits. The sets are also incredibly well-designed, the lighting is wonderful, and the special effects are fun. There's even a real magic carpet! No, for real!!
Onto the cast, which, as mentioned, is basically the same as last year. They've all taken on their new roles very well with the same number of "Oh aha, isn't Gareth Thomas a homosexual", and "Teehee, Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane are married and love each other very much but play characters who don't like each other at all", jokes, with new "Hehe, look, we have H from Steps in our panto", laughs thrown in for good measure.
Speaking of Linda Lusardi, if I didn't have my suspicions of her lip-syncing last year, I definitely do now. In fact, I'm almost certain. As charming as she is on stage, and as well as she plays Spirit of the Ring, I can't help but feel somewhat cheated by her decision to mime her only song. Even Gareth "Alfie" Thomas sings his song live, no matter how mediocrely, and we respect him for it - and the abs he has on display for the entire performance combined with his dancing.
Another new addition to this year's festive fun is Mark Llewelyn Evans, who plays Emperor Ming and is actually one of the most engaging and entertaining characters, especially when paired with Mike Doyle's Widow Twankey. At one point, the duo had me in tears of laughter and I truly believe more should be made of their natural flair for comedy. They were the highlight.
Once again, the New Theatre presents a laugh-a-minute story of wonders, with larger-than-life characters that take you on a magical tale to China, to Egypt, and beyond! Come on down to the New Theatre while you still can for this year's treat! Oh, and don't forget your magic lamp.
Aladdin runs at the New Theatre until 17 January 2016. You can get your tickets here.
Image credit: New Theatre
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2 Comments – Post a comment
fitz8712
Commented 2 months ago - 4th March 2016 - 10:20am
Like the pic
Tom (Sub-Editor)
Commented 2 months ago - 4th March 2016 - 10:42am
fitz8712, there are some photos we took like this on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedthesprout/
One is a rather great selfie of our Editor, Sam and 'H' from Steps!
There are also 2 interviews here you might like (from the Aladdin cast!:
1. http://www.thesprout.co.uk/en/news/rugby-legendal-rugbyquot/19604.html
2. http://www.thesprout.co.uk/en/news/id-love-to-pe-in-aladdin/19606.html