Panto proves to be absolute Christmas cracker of a show

9:16am Tuesday 11th December 2007

PLEASE suspend reality and never let it end this is the panto where no one wants to see the final curtain.

So you think that this seasonal tradition is just for kids, eh? Well, let me tell you something - here's a show where every child from nought to 90 has a starring role.

Oh, yes they do. For this is a rootin' tootin', rip-roaring rampage through a roster of one-liners, with the gags coming thick and fast. Not only that, but writers Paul Milton and Chris Jaeger also add some topical jokes into the festive mix to give the show extra spice and immediacy.

The cast is a glittering showcase of talent. Worcester lad Ben Humphrey returns to his native city to make a formidable Aladdin, ably partnered by Claire Rimell as Princess Jasmine.

Meanwhile, Liz Grand scared the life out of this reviewer with her Empress of China, the terror only abating when Paul Milton's hilarious Sergeant Ping Pong cavorted across the stage like a demented ferret.

Elsewhere, Daniel Whitley (Wishee Washee), Amy Booth-Steel (Genie of the Lamp) and Loobe Amethyst (Slave of the Ring) keep the whole thing storming along with their energy and vibrancy.

And as for Richard Curnow's Widow Twankey well, he turns idiocy into an art form and is a perfect foil to Jonathan Darby's dark and dastardly Abanazar.

Special mention should also be made of musical director Rick Godsall and his sterling crew. A production like this presents many challenges and he magnificently rose to the occasion, providing a convincing soundtrack to maintain the show's momentum.

My advice? Make an early new year resolution and get down to the Swan and see an absolute Christmas cracker of a show. Aladdin runs until December 30.

John Phillpott