Experience a 'whole new world' this Christmas with family favourite Aladdin at Derby Arena!
This year Aladdin swoops in on his magic carpet to Derby Arena! Presented by Derby Live and Little Wolf Entertainment, the #DerbyPanto is definatley the start of our family festive season!
The set was a dazzling spectacle of colour and glitter! As soon as you see the stage it fills you with excitement and panto anticipation!
The story follows young Aladdin (Kristian Cunningham) as he is tricked into helping his evil uncle Abanazar (John Thompson) find a magic lamp! The Genie of the lamp (Anna Soden) grants Aladdin three wishes and his mother Widow Twankey (Morgan Brind) and friend Marmaduke the Monkey (Ben Tanner) help Aladdin to overcome challenges along the way so he can marry his love, Princess Amirah (Nicola Martinus-Smith).
Panto traditions are honoured with upbeat and on trend songs (that my daughters aged 13 and 11) immediately recognised. There are loads of good jokes for all ages, an enthusiastic chase sequence with some Egyptian mummies and of course it wouldn’t be Aladdin without a magical carpet ride!
John Thomson as Abanazar played the perfect panto baddie, there was a chorus of booing whenever he entered the stage!...NICE
Kristian Cunningham as Aladdin and Nicola Matinus-Smith as Princess Amirah were beautifully cast and they both had fantastic singing voices.
Anna Soden played three parts and did a fantastic job of Siri of the Ring, Genie of the Lamp and PC Brigade bringing fun and humour to the show!
Marmaduke the monkey (Ben Tanner) was just so cool with his dance moves and playing to the audience! My youngest daughter said 'wow the monkey has skills!' A great compliment indeed.
No expense was spared on the glitter and sequins and Widow Twankey (Morgan Brind) had the most creative wardrobe to date!
Morgan Brind never fails to make me and my family laugh with his tongue-in-cheek banter and his usual love interest (victim) with an audience member in the front row.
A massive shout-out to the amazingly talented musicians, creative ensemble and lighting team who bring this wonderful production of Aladdin to life.
If you are wondering what to do over the Christmas holidays, go and see Aladdin, treat your family to a magical time.
Aladdin is at DERBY ARENA until 31 December 2022.
Tickets from £28 BUY HERE or call Box Office 01332 255800
Running time - 2 hours and 40 mins (approx inc interval)
Access - BSL interpreted, Captioned, Audio-Described and Relaxed Performances, Changing Places Facility
Derby Arena Parking - £3
