Patsy Kensit provides a touch of glamour that stands Southport’s panto out from the crowd
LIKE a comfy, cosy Christmas blanket, the Atkinson invites you in and settles you down for a panto that ticks all the boxes.
This year’s show, from LHK Productions, puts the audience in safe hands. It’s traditional, sticks to the brief and there’s an endearing old-fashioned feel to the whole endeavour. Unlike many other pantos, there’s very little by way of near-the-knuckle double entendre, and it doesn’t opt for current pop hits as an easy way of getting the kids on side. So Dancing on the Ceiling becomes Dancing in Peking, and so on. There’s a bit of Baby Shark, but otherwise there’s something of a time warp about the whole show - not a necessarily a bad thing.
It’s performed with gusto by an experienced cast: star turn Patsy Kensit of course, as the Genie of the Lamp, brings a good-natured chic to the role and looks fabulous doing it. Tom Burroughs is a solid stage presence as evil Abanazer, and Mia Molloy as Princess Jasmine is polished to a real shine.
The jokes are, in places, hopefully deliberately terrible; “I don’t like going to MC Hammer’s house. He won’t let you touch anything”, Jasmine muses at one point (reader, I laughed). Some references, like the Dame’s irritating Ali G finger snap, again seem considerably out of date. But there is great comic timing between Wishy Washy (Lewis Pryor) and Widow Twanky (Michael Chapman). Dominic Gore as Aladdin and Claire Simmo as the Spirit of the Ring complete a very likeable ensemble.
Ultimately, there’s a simplicity, and sincerity, in Lee Kelly’s direction that pays off. This is apparent in everything from the clean dance routines to the costumes and colour schemes. Visually, Twanky’s temple-style dress is a highlight, and the set design as Aladdin descends into the cave to find the lamp is nicely done.
Overall, this Aladdin is charming, professional and good fun. It doesn’t overstay it’s welcome, and for a festive celebration in a lovely venue, more than does the job.
