Aladdin

Taking our seats at MADS Theatre for Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group’s pantomime production of Aladdin, we were immediately swept into a world of colour, comedy, and classic panto charm. From the very first moments, the company made it clear that this would be a lively and spirited evening of entertainment. The opening number, a vibrant rendition of Footloose, set the tone perfectly energetic, bold, and full of personality. It’s always a delight when a pantomime embraces bright, eye‑catching visuals, and this production certainly did just that. The wardrobe team deserve huge credit for their work; the costumes were not only colourful and striking but also thoughtfully matched to each character’s personality. Every outfit felt intentional, well‑fitted, and designed to enhance the storytelling.

Supporting the strong visual identity of the show was Ellie Lyall’s choreography, which brought structure and flair to the musical numbers. The dancers were well‑drilled, confident, and clearly committed to their routines. Formations were clean, transitions smooth, and the choreography itself was varied enough to keep each number engaging. Whether it was a full‑company routine or a smaller ensemble moment, the movement always felt purposeful and added to the overall spectacle.

Of course, no pantomime is complete without a villain, and Russel Caulfield made a memorable mark as Abanazar. He struck a great balance between menace and humour, leaning into the traditional panto villain persona without ever overplaying it. What stood out most in Russel’s performance was his vocal projection every line was delivered with clarity and confidence, ensuring the audience remained fully engaged in his scheming. His presence commanded the stage, and he relished every opportunity to interact with the audience, earning the appropriate mix of boos and laughter. Fiona Salder took on the role of Aladdin, bringing warmth and charm to the character. Her performance had a sincerity that grounded the more chaotic comedic moments around her. Fiona’s stage presence was strong, and she handled the musical elements with ease, offering a likeable and relatable hero for the audience to root for.

Rosie Savage was a standout as Wishee Washee, delivering a warmth and energetic performance of the night. Rosie’s commitment to the role was evident in every scene she maintained a high level of enthusiasm, comedic timing, and audience rapport throughout. Wishee Washee is a character who thrives on interaction, and Rosie embraced that wholeheartedly, creating a fun and engaging dynamic with both the cast and the audience.

Sue Armitt, as the Spirit of the Ring, was nothing short of brilliant. Her comedic instincts were razor‑sharp, and she had the audience laughing consistently. Sue’s timing was impeccable; she knew exactly when to pause, when to push a joke, and when to let the audience react. Those well‑placed moments of stillness made her punchlines land even harder. Her performance felt polished, confident, and full of personality, one of the highlights of the evening.

Another exceptional performance came from Mike Daws as Widow Twankey. Mike delivered a consistently well‑polished portrayal of the classic panto dame, complete with expressive physicality, witty delivery, and a strong sense of character. Widow Twankey’s scenes were some of the most entertaining in the show, and Mike handled the humour with ease, ensuring the comedy never felt forced. His interactions with the audience were playful and well‑judged, adding to the overall fun of the production.

Princess Jasmine, played by Morgan Wild, brought a lovely sense of grace to the stage. Morgan delivered some stunning vocals, showcasing a clear, controlled voice that suited the character beautifully. Her scenes with Aladdin were sweet and sincere, offering a nice contrast to the more comedic moments elsewhere in the show. Faith Singleton, as the Genie of the Lamp, brought a burst of energy every time she appeared. Playing such a pivotal role as a youth performer is no small task, but Faith handled it with confidence and enthusiasm. Her stage presence was strong, and she delivered her lines with clarity and personality. It was refreshing to see a young performer take on such a significant role and do it justice.

While the production had many strengths, there were a few moments particularly during scene transitions where the energy dipped slightly. Some transitions felt a little quiet or prolonged, and a touch of underscoring or transitional music would have helped maintain momentum and cover those “dead spots.” It’s a small adjustment that could elevate the pacing and keep the audience fully immersed throughout.

Director Elizabeth Turner delivered several excellent moments of staging, balancing humour, heart, and spectacle. The show moved at a good pace overall, and the blocking made effective use of the stage space. Elizabeth clearly understands the rhythm of pantomime and ensured that the production captured the traditional elements audiences expect while still feeling fresh.

Musical Director Vince Galley also deserves recognition. The live band added vibrancy and depth to the performance, supporting the cast with well‑balanced accompaniment. The musical choices were fun and varied, and the band handled them with skill, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the show.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this production was the script. Compared to some pantomimes, which can feel outdated or overly reliant on tired jokes, this script felt current, accessible, and genuinely funny. The comedy was suitable for all ages, and the modern references were used sparingly enough to feel clever rather than gimmicky. The “password” moment was a particular highlight, as was the washing machine gag both had the audience laughing heartily.

Overall, Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group’s Aladdin was a vibrant, entertaining, and joyfully delivered pantomime. With strong performances, colourful visuals, lively choreography, and a well‑crafted script, the production offered a thoroughly enjoyable evening for audiences of all ages. It’s clear that a great deal of passion and hard work went into bringing this show to life, and the result was a delightful, feel‑good experience that captured the true spirit of pantomime.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.