11 December 2016 14:51 PM
"Where are we?" asks a suitably manic Abanazer (James Dinsmore) as he arrives at a village in Peking to find Aladdin. "Wun Long Poo", says enchanting Spirit of the Ring (Dani Acors). Abanazer's response may not be entirely unexpected, but it's delivered with wonderful comic panache, which is the hallmark of this year`s Christmas panto at the Capitol Horsham.
Written and directed by Nick Mowat, the Capitol`s general manager, with Mike Goble, who plays Aladdin`s brother, Wishee Washee, this production crackles along at such a pace that it`s a bit of a letdown when the curtain drops for the interval, just as Aladdin (Olly Pike) has got rich through the Genie of the Lamp (Ben Ofoedo) and can marry Princess Jasmine (Alice Ellen Wright).
But the second act immediately steps into overdrive with a hugely pacy “It`s Going To Be A Good Day” performed by the ensemble. Unfortunately, Princess Jasmine is then kidnapped by Abanazer, having been tricked into handing over Aladdin`s lamp, and abducted to Egypt. This triggers a neat piece of theatrical illusion, as Aladdin takes a flying carpet to rescue her. Magically, he appears to float through the air centre-stage, while he sings a duet with the princess at the side.
Inevitably, the traditional panto business is driven along by Widow Twankey (Martin Ramsdin) abetted by Jasmine`s dad, the Emperor and the script is peppered with gags and puns for everybody and plenty of innuendo for the adults. A classy production with great costumes and sets, it runs until New Year`s Eve with a special relaxed performance on the 14th December for children/adults/families with special needs. Tickets £10 - £20.
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