Aladdin, The Nuffield THE season to be jolly is well and truly under way in Hampshire. The county’s first professional pantomime has opened at the Nuffield.

An appreciative audience grabbed every seat in the auditorium last night and loved ever minute of The Story of Aladdin.

The busy panto season is one I always dread, but invariably enjoy once it comes around. If the first offering of the festive period is anything to go by, this year will be no exception.

The Nuffield’s in-house production of this classic tale is a real gem.

As is often the case, the pantomime dame completely steals the show. Matthew Cullum is terrific as Widow Twankey.

I was impressed by all the casting, but Chook Sibtain shone in particular. As an especially dastardly Abanazer he was able to prompt the audience to jeer and hiss at his every move, while also maintaining a sense of fun.

The colourful set took us back to ‘China Town’ in 1956 where Widow Twankey is struggling to make ends meet in her laundry.

Abanazer promises riches for all, but has a cunning plot to steal the treasure and the heart of the beautiful princess.

Aladdin must then battle to save the day with the help of Wishee Washee and the Genie of the Lamp.

Scenes inside the laundry and Chinese Palace were particularly effective and I adored the bikes used on stage by the show’s ten local children.

Aladdin had everything you would expect from a superb pantomime – lots of jokes for the children, plenty more for their parents, bags of audience participation, flying objects and two-and-a-quarter hours of silliness.

Bring on the next panto installment!