ALADDIN

Opera House Manchester

Until January 2

PANTO is back with a bellyful of laughs, big musical numbers and more costume changes than Beyonce – oh, yes it is!

Aladdin is on at the Opera House Manchester until January 2 and is a real treat for all the family.

The talented cast takes the audience on a magical journey to the land of Mancunia, where a wish-granting genie and an evil sorcerer can be found.

The big name draw for the show is Alexandra Burke, who is no stranger to the stage having previously displayed her epic vocals in musicals such as Sister Act and The Bodyguard.

She brings star quality to the panto as Scherezade, the storyteller who pops up and also dazzles with a rendition of Hallelujah – the Leonard Cohen song which helped her seal victory on The X Factor in 2008.

Bury Times:

But the 33-year-old also brings fun to the role, such as during a dance-off with Wishee Washee – played by the brilliant Ben Nickless.

A panto pro, Nickless brings all you could want and more to his hilariously hapless character with boundless energy and perfect comic timing. Aladdin is his 17th time appearing in pantomime and he is a joy to watch.

There’s no expense spared in the production with great props and dazzling costumes – and that’s just for the outfits which bring Widow Twankey to glorious life. (Huge) hats off to Ceri Dupree for performing in those humongous heels and headgear.

Theatre star Matthew Croke is a perfect Aladdin, as he navigates the comedy capers to live his happily ever after with Princess Jasmine, played by Rumi Sutton.

Funny and cheeky with a sprinkling of topical jokes, Aladdin will have you chuckling from beginning to end.

Get your tickets and enjoy a festive trip to Mancunia before the Magic Carpet leaves town on January 2.

Where: Opera House Manchester, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP

When: Until Sunday January 2 2022

Time: Twice daily, except Monday December 13, Friday December 17, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Price: from £13

Book tickets via AGT.