BLUE Genie Entertainment have returned to another year at The Playhouse Whitley Bay, this year with Aladdin. As usual the fabulously entertaining Steve Walls return, this year as Wishee Washee. It’s clear that most of the audience return every year, but it’s down to the way that Steve Walls instantly gets the audience onside with his warm engaging personality making this panto such a hit.
The father and son comedy double act, Simmons and Simmons as the Chinese Policeman, have brilliant comic timing with great energy. Widow Twanky, Daniel Mawston, as always makes a brilliant Dame, he’s larger than life with great movement. Abanazer, Andrew Goddard is suitably evil. Aladdin, Chico Slimani, was instantly loved by the audience and they certainly played well on Chico Time, holding back until he finally went for it. They certainly know how to play the audience.
Of course, the audience were enthusiastically waiting for the appearance of the bench. A highlight for every panto here in Whitley Bay. They couldn’t wait for Ghostbusters to start, which is why, this panto is just like meeting old friends year after year.
The story is well constructed, with plenty of interaction, jokes for young and not so young and almost two and half hours of pure entertainment.
The entire cast and crew work incredibly hard, but two special mentions have to go to the Choreography by Jo Walls and the Dancers and Ensemble, especially Dance Captain, Mary Proud, such a delightful dancer.
Aladdin runs until 7th January 2023
