Review: Why Our Kids Loved Newcastle Theatre Royal's Panto
We entered a whole new world of pantomania thanks to Newcastle Theatre Royal's take on Aladdin
This brand-new version of Aladdin celebrates Danny and Clive’s 20th year as the stars of the panto. Michael Harrison will also celebrate his 20th anniversary this year as producer and creator, and it’s Joe McElderry’s five-year anniversary in the panto. We told you there’s lots to celebrate! So of course we were expecting a big production – and that’s exactly what this is. A Geordie take on Aladdin (complete with Carabao cup), it’s packed with fun for the whole family.
Chris Hayward returns to don the Dame’s frocks as Aladdin’s mum, Mother Goose, Joe McElderry is The Spirit of the Ring and Mick Potts is The Genie of the Lamp. Tyneside favourite Wayne Smith returns as Old King Cole, and West-End stars Rachel Stanley as The Wicked Witch of Wallsend and Billie-Kay as Princess Jasmine are brilliant. Alongside Danny (Aladdin) and Clive, they’re a brilliant cast.
What an amazing way to celebrate 20 years of Danny and Clive in panto. Our family enjoyed an evening full of jokes, water (watch out if you’re in the stalls) and plenty of innuendos. Without wishing to spoil too much, we really enjoyed reflecting on the last two decades of pantomimes, celebrated in song, and the props in this panto are bigger and better than ever.
As always, we cried tears of laughter from start to finish. The kids loved the OTT ‘he killed the pigeon’ moment! But there’s much more to this production than the silly comedy. The whole auditorium were impressed when Danny played the drums – he’s a man of many talents. Joe’s singing never fails to entertain us too. And while the craziness might, at times, take you away from the story of Aladdin, there’s of course a magical flying carpet, and it’s as spectacular as you might imagine. The sets, costumes and lighting are all show-stopping.
What moved us most is the fact you can see the real relationships that have been formed amongst the cast. Danny and Joe are absolutely hilarious together, and it’s this camaraderie that keeps the magic and silliness alive throughout each performance.
Don’t miss the opportunity to buy merchandise after the show and the chance to get it signed and have your photos taken with Danny and Clive – that was a highlight for our kids.
Tickets are already on sale for next year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk – when Danny, Clive, Joe and Chris will all return – and we can’t wait!
