Theatre

I don't know where the money for next year's productions at York Theatre Royal is going to come from, because it looks like every penny of next year's budget's already been spent on the Lad Aladdin. One spectacular scenery change follows another, each one an ambitious and colourful treat for the eyes, each one a technical marvel.

When I was Molly's age (9) I anxiously awaited the end of the interval, eagerly anticipating the scenery change, wondering how different it would be from the first half. To be honest I've done the same most years since. With the Lad Aladdin I had only to shut my eyes for a moment, for everything in front of them to be different.

Abanazar, the panto baddie.

One minute the country's best panto dame (Berwick Kaler) is suspended from wires, spinning backwards, the next he's on a tightrope over a tank of water. A movable car wash with fully operational foam and water is replaced by golden palace. Magic carpets convincingly fly through the air and land at ornate pavilions. A Chinese Circus and numerous other beautifully crafted sets all follow. Impressive and imaginative changes, brilliantly lit and made at lightening speed.

We saw the show on it's second night, but already the cast were wonderfully comfortable in their roles and with each other. Relaxed enough to ad lib and enjoy and exaggerate any mistakes.

This is the funniest, best produced panto I can remember seeing. Admittedly I have a very poor memory. But The Lad Aladdin is so good I think it will remain within even my poor retention span for a long time. Especially if I go and see it again - which I'm convinced I will.

What did you think Molly?

I thought the bit where Aladdin said 'Ooh you're very rich, you know how I can tell? - You can afford trousers!' was very funny.

My favourite character was Aladdin, because he was funny. Especially when he became his mum and had to speak like a Geordie.

There's a bit in Widow Twanky's house with loads of animals - an ostrich, a panda, a goose and a crocodile - which is very funny too. They all have funny voices. It's like a chaotic zoo.

If you're thinking of going to see this I highly recommend it. I give it ten out of ten!
I've just realised in each line I've written I've used the word funny. That's because The Lad Aladdin is very, very, FUNNY!

Andrew and Molly Barton