Review – Aladdin – Orchard West, Dartford

With the kids now broken up from school, home until the New Year and getting under the grown-ups feet as they are trying to finish getting everything ready for the big day,  is there anything better you can do than take a couple of hours break with the family and enjoy watching the firm Christmas tradition of Pantomime – Oh no there isn’t.  

Aladdin at Orchard West is a lively, feel-good pantomime that delivers exactly what a festive family audience wants. Bursting with colour, comedy and audience participation, it creates a warm and joyful atmosphere from start to finish with lots of laugh out loud moments, the jokes come thick and fast and not too many just for the adults but just enough to keep them entertained throughout. 

The cast are clearly having fun, with the comic roles providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for children and adults alike, although there are a couple of technical hitches they are covered well by the cast and only made the show more fun. 

Aladdin played by Cleve September makes for a likeable and energetic hero with strong vocals and great stage presence. He brings warmth and charm to the role, making him easy to root for from the opening scenes. 

Fanky Panky (Aladdin’s Brother) is played by Rikki Jay and is the comedy engine of the show. He delivers quick-fire jokes and physical comedy that land brilliantly with both children and adults. 

Jason Marc-Williams makes an excellent Widow Panky. He gives classic pantomime dame performance — bold, camp and gloriously over the top. The chemistry with the audience is excellent, and the comic timing consistently steals scenes.  

Princess Jasmine is confident, spirited and well-sung. Ruby Mann makes this Jasmine more than just a love interest. She brings strength and sparkle to the role, pairing nicely with Aladdin and holding her own in the musical numbers. 

Anton Stephens takes on the larger-than-life Genie of the Lamp. He is full of personality and playful mischief; the Genie adds energy and fun whenever he’s on stage. A strong supporting role that keeps the pace lively and the story moving. 

Richard Foster-King takes on the role of Sven Gali (the baddie) A suitably boo-worthy villain, clearly enjoying every moment. He strikes the right balance between menace and comedy, encouraging enthusiastic audience participation and there is a lovely running joke about his country of origin.  

Councillor Chigwell (Jasmine’s dad) is played by Blue’s Anthony Costa as a last-minute stand-in after Linda Robson withdrew due to illness. Costa does an admirable job. He brings confidence, charm and solid vocals to the role. We were told on Tuesday that Anthony was in India the day before on tour with Blue and got the call to ask him to replace Linda Robson. He flew home Monday and was at the theatre for his first and only day of rehearsal before going on stage that night. That is no mean feat.  

Spirit of the Ring is played by comedy magician Mandy Muden, who brings a warm and magical presence. She adds heart and clarity to the story and provides a nice contrast to the chaos around her. It’s worth noting that Mandy is one of the few females to be granted membership to the magic circle and so the magic she performs on stage is well executed. 

The ensemble & junior ensemble work hard and give a polished performance and enhance the show. 

With bright sets, lively choreography and a cast clearly enjoying themselves, Aladdin at Orchard West is a joyful, festive pantomime. The storyline takes a relaxed approach to the traditional tale, but this is panto after all. The humour, performances and atmosphere make it a great family show. 

A Genie-ously funny panto with a lamp full of laughs 

****   Four Stars