Review: Aladdin, York Grand Opera House (From The Northern Echo)

Review: Aladdin, York Grand Opera House

4:55pm Wednesday 14th December 2011 in Reviews By Steve Pratt

THE annual seasonal show at this venue never pretends to be anything other than a straightforward commercial pantomime aimed at younger audiences.

Nothing wrong with that, but if only it was done with a little more imagination and desire to improve on previous shows, rather than rely on the same old jokes and routines year in year out.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with this Aladdin, but then again there’s nothing outstanding either. It jogs along competently for two hours, plus interval, without ever really catching fire. Everyone does what is required in a panto-bynumbers sort of way. What it sorely needs is a lift, someone or something to lift it out of the ordinary.

The set and costumes look new, the gags don’t and it could do with more songs that audiences will recognise. And please don’t call the singalong section The Song Sheet when no such sheet is anywhere to be seen.

Simon Barry’s uninspired direction is content to put the performers in a line and get them to recite their words.

Good use is made of the local dancers and Daniella Gibb’s strong vocals as Princess Jasmine. Lucy Lavelle injects her Genie of the Ring with a welcome kookiness.

Former Coronation Street star Steven Arnold – he played Ashley Peacock – has enthusiasm but isn’t exactly given much to do as Aladdin, while Aidan J Harvey does what we’ve seen him do many times before. At least he still finds it funny.

Younger members of the audience seemed happy enough. Cynical old panto reviewers like myself demand more heart and soul than this briskly efficient, but charmless production can muster.

• Until January 1. Tickets from 0844-8713024 and atgtickets.com/york