There is one simple way of pulling off the preposterousness of panto. Performers must banish all thoughts of their next appearance on Hollyoaks and bound onstage with utter conviction.
If they believe in magical lamps and riches untold, so will we. With this vital trust established, the knowing winks to the adults can start.
For an uncomfortable while, it's a slick, somewhat heartless panto-by-numbers here, as the star cast - only, one hopes, to be assembled at Christmas-time - of Christopher Biggins, Simon Callow and Patsy Kensit refuses to gel and Aladdin (Henry Luxemburg) fails to look at all interested.
But in panto-land there is little that a good singalong can't cure and Biggins the director uses his music judiciously to raise communal spirits. The perma-smile of Biggins the performer as Twanky is matched by an array of pouts and smirks from Kensit's comely genie.
Oddly Callow, an actor surely born to play the deliciously over-the-top Abanazar, has a woefully underwritten role. For the brief time he troubles us, he is less set on evil intent than on being the "greatest Shakespearean actor that ever lived" ("I'm a genie, not a miracle worker," comes the astute riposte).
Unlike too many pantos, this offering does at least boast a "written by" credit. Paul Hendy duly checks off many of the old favourite routines, although a little more "It's behind you"-ing would not have gone amiss. Ian McKellen can rest easy for another year.
Until 22 Jan. Information: 0870 060 6651.
Aladdin
