7 reasons to see Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal

They don’t need a genie or a lamp to create a bit of panto magic at St Helens Theatre Royal – just a spectacular cast, lots of great laughs and the chance to have right old sing song.

Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal is one of the pantomime greats you don’t want to miss! As our hero sets out to capture the heart of the princess and defeat the evil Abanazer with the help of his mother Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, the Genie, and more.

It’ll definitely get you in the festive mood and, if you want any more reasons to give it a go, here’s 7:

1. It’s got a brilliant baddie from down the Dales!

Best known for playing Dan Spencer in Emmerdale, Liam Fox plays the dastardly Abanazer, who tricks the princess into giving him the magic lamp and steals both it – and her – away. With his booming voice and commanding presence, he embraces his latest role with gusto and the audience loves to hate him in this, his professional panto debut. Boo hiss!

Liam Fox as Abanazer - Aladdin - Credit David Munn — Liam Fox as Abanazer – Aladdin – Credit David Munn

2. There ain’t nothing like a dame

And there ain’t nothing like Richard Aucott who is superb as Aladdin’s mum and local washer woman Widow Twankey. With a cracking delivery of the double entendre and some amazing costumes, many of which he designs and makes himself – at one point he has a clothes maiden complete with rows of washing arising from an enormous wig – he’s a riot.

3. Radio presenter Leanne Campbell is the Genie In The Mirror

Although obviously recorded the lovely Leanne interacts beautifully with the cast on stage and the audience as the all-powerful Genie In The Mirror, descending from on high to deliver advice and help to our panto hero, Aladdin, and providing a dazzling dynamic to the on-stage antics.

4. There are more sequins than Strictly

There’s been no expense spared with the costumes at the Theatre Royal from the colourful comedy collections worn by Twankey to the sparkly and super-shiny ones worn by the beautifully choreographed dancers and the stars of the show. There’s a glittering transformation when the Twankey family goes from rags to riches, and Abanazer’s golden cloak is spectacular. If you want OTT glam and glitz, this has got it.

Tim Lucas as The Genie, and Alex Adam as Aladdin - Aladdin - Credit David Munn — Tim Lucas as The Genie, and Alex Adam as Aladdin – Aladdin – Credit David Munn

5. Stunning effects including 3D technology

From fireworks and billowing smoke to cascading confetti, the effects are fantastic, and 3D film to show Aladdin’s journey to search for the princess makes you feel you’re on the magic carpet with him. Of course, with this unique 3D element there are also some surprises – like ghosts’ googly eyes and creepy crawlies that seem to come towards you and make you jump out of your seat. Be prepared!

6. Music magic

From favourites like Proud Mary and Everlasting Love to Aha’s Take on Me and a Take That mega mix of songs, there’s everything to get you singing in your seat, and bring the stage to life with creative and super-energetic dance routines.

Aladdin Production Shot - Credit David Munn — Aladdin Production Shot – Credit David Munn

7. It’s cast and comedy gold

There are topical gags and comical catchphrases that get everyone involved from the word go from a cast that’s clearly having as much fun as the audience. There are no weak links in this cast which includes Warren Donnelly as PC Shameless, Alex Aram as Aladdin, and Jess Smith as Princess Jasmine, but mention has to be made of cheeky chappy Lewis Devine who, as always, is energetic and huge fun as Wishee Washee – he has the audience eating out of his hands – and Tim Lucas, who plays the Genie, channelling Robin Williams with a range of accents and ad-lib humour. The pair gel well and have a great rapport, adding extra sparkle to what is simply panto perfection.

Where: St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, WA10 1LQ

When: NOW until 14 Jan 2024!

Tickets: prices vary from £21 – £27