Review: Aladdin at Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Dec 15 2011 Flintshire Chronicle

THE debate rages on in cinema as to whether or not 3D is an artistic enhancement or merely a fly-by-night gimmick.

Well there is no such debate in Venue Cymru’s annual panto Aladdin - 3D is every bit the gimmick and a glorious one it is too.

Unlike the outbreak of retro-fitted 3D movies cluttering up multiplexes, the technique genuinely does add an extra dimension to this show as everything from missiles to snakes to spiders come flying at us from the stage.

But while this adds a welcome element of the unusual to the production, 3D is just one of so many things to enjoy in a piece of entertainment that is just as spectacular and brilliantly performed as a West End musical.

Having never seen Dancing On Ice, I was previously oblivious to the existence of Jason Gardiner but he proved to be a lithe, athletic and charismatic stage presence in the role of villainous Abanazar and you would certainly never guess this was his panto debut.

At the other end of the scale, veteran Dame Nigel Ellacott camped it up magnificently as Widow Twankey while the delectable Rebecca Parker made the exotic Scherazade a 3D treat even when the audience wasn’t wearing its glasses.

Once again, though, it fell to Liverpool comedian John Evans to steal the show, this time as Wishee Washee. This is his fifth panto role in a row at Llandudno and for the fifth time I have to ask why this guy isn’t one of the biggest names in UK comedy.

One can only imagine that TV has few opportunities for comedians who specialise in family-friendly humour because his instantly likeable personality, expert skill with one-liners and quick-witted ad-libbing is simply a joy to behold.

As is the rest of the show which really should not be missed between now and the end of the month.