Aladdin, Tivoli Theatre
Review by Jane Toomer

Aladdin, the dazzling production at Tivoli, Wimborne, offering a relentlessly cheery tale of adventure and heroism.
High energy musical numbers, colorful costumes, brilliant dances, silly puns and plenty of slapstick and risqué jokes and wordplay for the adults.
This superb show delivered everything you could want from a pantomime. It also has amazing special effects of an eight-foot genie as well as the impressive magic flying carpet ride.

The story begins with a bang as the villain Chaz Murray Abanazar enters to a cacophony of boos, boasting about his plans to get his hands on the magic lamp reveling in his wicked nature and taunting the audience with his devilish antics.
Tegen Jones gives a stunning performance as Scheherazade with her powerful voice, also bringing glamour and a sense of humour to her role.

Aladdin, played by Alex Oliver, portrays charm to his Princess Jasmine played by Jasmine Boussateha, both singing outstanding songs together.
The comedy due who probably stole the show for all the adults, Courtney Jackson (who appeared in Britain Got Talent) now playing the role of Widow Twankey, tottering around in high heels and flamboyant costumes who was fabulous, and Lee Redwood as Wishee Washee who wrote and directed the panto.
He launches full force into what could easily be his own stand-up show… after 10 minutes everyone was hooked!

Both artists gave an energetic performance with plenty of classical and topical gags, creating the perfect injection of tongue and cheek jokes and banter to keep all ages laughing out loud.
And the backing dancers who performed in many of the scenes choreographed by Gemma Davis were also very impressive.
It was truly a wonderful Panto experience.