This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub: https://www.thereviewshub.com/aladdin-orchard-west-dartford/

There is sparkle and some festive cheer amid the Cave of Wonders as Aladdin brings some Christmas sparkle to Dartford’s Orchard West’s seasonal production.

The production was due to star Loose Women and Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson as Councillor Chigwell, but she had to pull out through illness. However, Hollie Cassar stands in brilliantly, with a grace in the role that is a neat contrast to Aladdin’s goofing, and she looks immediately at ease.

Cleve September’s Aladdin is cheeky and energetic, combining well with the strong-willed Princess Jasmine (Ruby Mann). September is at his strongest during the piece’s musical numbers, immediately rescuing the show’s bland opening with a terrific rendition of Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You. Mann’s blend of charm and wit as the feisty Jasmine is a welcome revamp of the typically two-dimensional character.

Rikki Jay, meanwhile, returns to Orchard West for another panto stint, this year as Franky Panky. Jay’s comedic talents are clear to see, yet this is much more obvious when Jay is given a little more licence to free himself of some of the play’s stifling punchlines. There is a neat turn from Jason Marc-Williams’ Window Panky, though this feels like a restrained pantomime dame role.

Anton Stephans’ Genie, when he finally arrives, injects some energy into a fading first half, while Mandy Muden’s Spirit of the Ring has limited opportunities to shine, including a very strange bucket and balloon routine. Richard Foster-King, though, as the inexplicably Swedish villain Sven Gali, is reasonably cartoonish as the troublemaker, nabs a few boos and does enough to incite audience jeers.

It suffers significantly, though, from too many long-winded, joke-lacking dialogue exchanges. There is not much expectation for a plot when it comes to a pantomime, but on too many occasions, the piece slips into rambling exchanges that add very little and quickly lose attention.

Script wobbles aside, where the production does shine is in its design. The gorgeous set design, layered with well-crafted tapestry backcloths, colourful sets and vibrant props, brings vibrancy to the story, enhanced by a terrific magic carpet special effect. This is furthered by Katherine Iles’ terrific choreography, superbly delivered and with an effective vigour.

When it does get going with Jay throwing in a few ad-libs alongside the talented ensemble, slickly delivering several catchy musical numbers, there is enough to get you in the Christmas mood, though it needs a little more magic to reach the heights of Aladdin’s own flying carpet.