Aladdin : Raucous And Ridiculously Good - Oh Yes It Is!

Bonkers and dazzlingly brilliant does not shine a light on describing the impact of Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal. I can’t remember when I laughed so much for so long that my ribs ached.

Turning convention on its head, there is just a cursory nod to the rags-to-riches traditional theme in this extravaganza brimming with creative, comedic genius.

A true celebration of the North East which promises to illuminate the darkest of days until mid-January, all the stops were pulled out for Aladdin’s reinvention and milestone celebration for Geordie treasures father-and-son Danny Adams, who plays Aladdin, and Clive Webb as Mr. Goose.

The beloved duo, who have not looked back since their 2005 Cinderella panto, mark two decades starring in the Theatre Royal’s renowned pantomimes. The lavish opening number by South Shields singer-songwriter, Joe McElderry – ‘The Spirit of the Ring’, complete with sparkle-frosted wings – pays tribute to the duo’s dynamic career and takes us on a captivating visual journey of highlights from pantomimes past.

Spellbinding effects span ghosts, dastardly dinosaurs, dragons, crocodiles along with a sensational flying carpet segment that would give West End theatres a run for their money.

Set in the Royal the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania, plentiful servings of panto ingredients such as lavish costumes, slapstick comedy, magical tricks, upbeat songs and good versus evil, are dished up in a show whose pace is relentless and timing is exquisite.

Every member of the cast is a consummate professional. The audience’s appetite for the antics, banter and ad-libbing between Danny Adams and Clive Webb was voracious, testimony to their three decades of entertaining with their very own Cirque du Hilarious - which we are treated to a taste of - along with Danny’s drumming dexterity.

The comedic chemistry between Danny Adams and Joe McElderry, who is magnificent throughout, is also faultless. One particular hilarious bedroom scene with ghostly goings-on featuring the duo, Clive Webb and Wayne Smith as Old King Cole, is pure unadulterated mayhem.

Also imbuing the musical with a Tyneside twist is Chris Hayward, hailed as one of the UK’s leading pantomime dames, as Mother Goose. Peeling off never-ending layers of clothes, including a washing line full of knickers, his striptease finale has to be seen to be believed.

No panto is complete without its wicked witch, which Rachel Stanley performs with panache, eliciting appropriate hisses and boos, especially from captivated children. Wayne Smith is formidable and likeable as Old King Cole, Billie-Kay divine as Princess Jemima, Aladdin’s betrothed – and Mick Potts plays the lithe, silent genie who transforms dreams into reality.

Teresa Walton, supported by James Maciver, excelled in keeping the audience in stitches with spectacular sparkling costumes, the choreography, lighting and sound were fabulous and the orchestra a perfect accompaniment to the production’s own take on iconic lyrics.

The highest accolade goes to supremely talented Producer, Director and Writer, Michael Harrison, a tour de force with a raft of West End musical credits. A lad from Wallsend who grew up watching Newcastle Theatre Royal’s pantomimes, he also marks his 20th year at the theatre - and his place in its Hall of Fame.

So immersed in the madcap distractions, fun and frivolity, there were times I forgot what pantomime I had come to see. I imagine that is the whole point of this seasonal sensation which sets festive spirits soaring to new heights.

Aladdin plays Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 18 January 2026.

Relaxed performances take place on Sunday 7 December 2025, 12pm & Wednesday 7 January 2026, 12pm
Audio Described: Tuesday 9 December 2025, 7pm
BSL & Captioned performance: Thursday 11 December 2025, 2pm & 7pm.

Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.