Aladdin
The Hexagon
Until January 6, 2019
0118 960 6060
www.readingarts.com
THERE’S magic in The Hexagon’s lamp. Their latest pantomime, Aladdin, is a triumph from start to finish with something for the whole family to enjoy: jokes, songs, dancing and slapstick – it’s all there.
Once again starring CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse, one of the best dames in the business, the pantomime is a hoot that even the curmudgeonyist curmudgeon would fail to keep a straight face.
This year, Justin plays the star of the show, Aladdin, and is given the opportunity to show just how versatile an actor he is. As the love interest to Sophie Ayers’ beautiful Princess Jasmine, he has some big numbers and some heroic action, while also having some of his trademark slapstick to delight Mr Tumble fans.
Paul, now in his sixth season at The Hexagon, forms a formidable double act with Justin and frequently steals scenes with his exquisite facial expressions, gestures and witty barbs. His costumes never cease to delight, with his Brexit dress and his finale outfits proving to be a triumph of engineering.
As ever, the pair have the audience eating out of their hands from their very first appearances on stage and it is a joy to watch them work together so well.
Also returning this year is David J Higgins as evil Abanazar – last year he was Captain Hook and he also graced the Hexagon’s stage as Beast in 2012’s Beauty and the Beast. He gave a masterful performance with just enough evil and verve to be scary but enough of a twinkle in his eye to stop him from being a creature of nightmares.
Sophie Ayers was a gentle and charming princess with a terrific voice and graceful stage presence. She formed a brilliant partnership with the stunning Lydia-Rose Bertie as So-Shi: again, someone with a lovely voice and a great sense of timing. This was pressed into action during her scenes with Justin and Paul.
Aaron Gibson had a dual role as Genie of the Lamp and the Emperor, one crazy and one dappy: he had to switch between the two personalities – and make-up – quickly and so well that it took a while to twig he was playing both roles.
Completing the principal cast was Jenny Phillips as the Spirit Of The Ring. She also choreographs the pantomimes for makers Imagine Theatre, and was a delight to watch as she shimmered across the stage.
The dancers, led once again by the brilliant Dan Westwood, livened up many numbers with their complex routines and always with a smile on their faces
All the set pieces you expect are there – we are big fans of the messy slosh scene this year, you’ll understand why when you see it! – and get the audience cheering, clapping, booing, shouting and waving their arms at all the right moments. The big set piece song, If I Were Not Upon This Stage, is a masterpiece of choreography (one false move would hurt) and comic timing and will stick in the mind for a long time to come.
The music is top notch and is complemented by the terrific lighting and sets that sparkle so brightly. Special effects are brilliant, especially the thrilling magic carpet ride where Justin has to sing, move and fly all at the same time.
You might think that having been performed just six years ago, there was nothing new to say with Aladdin, but this show has been carefully plotted and planned to be a fresh take on the age-old rags to riches love story. And it has a heart.
There is no doubt that Imagine Theatre are at the very top of their game, and know what makes a pantomime such an important part of Christmas.
Aladdin is a triumph: packed with fun, packed with jokes and packed with magical memories that will last a lifetime.
Next year’s pantomime will be Cinderella and The Hexagon are delighted to announce that Justin has signed up to star it in again, it will also see the partnership with Imagine Theatre continue – their 10th show since Sleeping Beauty back in 2010. The show will be performed from Saturday, December 7, 2019 through to Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Tickets will soon go on sale and will be booked from readingarts.com
