Aladdie and His Magic Lamp

With lots of comedy, colourful characters and a Steps mega-mix this was the perfect show to start the Panto season off. “Aladdie and his Magic Lamp” follows the traditional story of Aladdin adapted with a Scottish twist by Roy McGregor, ticked all the boxes you expect from an excellent Panto. Cleverly set within the marketplace of The Barras, all the Scottish references throughout the script and performance added to the humour for the audience. With a clever use of set and staging, lively musical tracks, vocals and movement pieces with the Scottish twist flowing throughout, the production team of Ross, Josh and Laura should be congratulated for all their hard work and dedication. 

The title role of laidback Ally was played by Reece Folan who used his charm and wit to keep the audience on side. Ryan Wink was a natural in the role of the Panto Dame Widow McTwankey. Ryan brought lots off key comic elements to the performance, had strong characterisation and took on the audience participation aspect of the character with ease. Stuart Mackay played her silly son and Ally’s brother Wishy Washy McTwankey. Stuart used his comic delivery to compliment Reece and Ryan, with all three working well together. The scenes in the family run Steamie were very entertaining. Aimme Mejury took the role of the sweet and charming Princess Primrose alongside her excentric Mum, Queen Jean who was a scene stealer in this role. Queen Jean had the help of the charismatic Cameron Constable as her Aide de Camp. Cameron used his physicality excellently to capture great character moments, especially in the wall gag. Jen McNair and Jordan Sneddon strutted around as the comedy duo PC Tik and PC Tok. Their delivery of almost every Tik-Yok dance was hilarious and they complimented each other very well … but I better “move on” before I get arrested!! Murray Constable played the nasty Ghillie Bogle who had the audience in the palm of his hand with all the boo’ing you could tell he was relishing. Every panto needs some magic and this was delivered by Gemma Connolly as the Genie and Kezia Dover as Spirit of Destiny. In particular Gemma’s portrayal of the character was very funny and commanded the scenes very well. Caitlin McGrory took the comedy part of Bonnie and her comedy timing and line delivery was great.  Supporting the principal cast was a lively ensemble who although smaller in number filled the stage with energy and volume.

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