A whole generation has grown up with Peter Rowe’s rock pantos at Theatr Clwyd. This year things are a little different. Aladdin is still written by Peter Rowe but it’s not directed by him and nor are his principal performers involved.
I will admit that up to the interval I was, unfairly, thinking about what I was missing but in the second half all that changed and the young new cast came fully into their own.
Some of the cast has been here before. Toby Lord, having previously been Aladdin himself and later a Beast, this time is a softly spoken, sneaky and very effective Abanazer.
Nicola Martinus-Smith, a previous Cinderella, is a delightful Princess, one who can sing gorgeously. Rowan Talbot, another returnee, makes far more than usual of the Emperor. He dodders in very funny style.
Josh Tye is a cocky, loveable, street-wise Aladdin while Henry Roadnight as his brother Wishee Washee gets some lovely slapstick, particularly in his mum’s laundry. As mum, Sean McKenzie dons the frocks with style and has a nice way with the puns.
Rachel Nottingham charms the audience to fine effect as Cuddles the Monkey.
The star of the whole show is Emma Fraser’s distinctly brash American Genie. She crackles with energy and sings really well too.
Yes, by the end I was wholly won over by the exuberance and energy shown by the whole company and, as always, the rock numbers are something special.
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