Fraser Boyle's rags-to-riches panto, Aladdie, brings a fresh spin to the classic tale with its unique blend of tradition and originality. Set in Ancient Old New Cumnock, this high-energy production takes audiences on a wild ride filled with slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and heartfelt moments.
At its core, the show is about community engagement, as actors outnumber special effects, bringing an authentic feel to the fantastical world of Aladdin. However, it's not all fairy dust and magic – the baddie's reckless use of his three wishes makes for a hilarious and cringe-worthy spectacle.
Gavin Jon Wright shines as Abanazar, bringing boisterous energy to every performance. The actor effortlessly wins over the audience with their charm, making even the most over-the-top scenes enjoyable. Wright's portrayal is also commendable in showcasing the baddie's lack of self-awareness, making it hard not to love him despite his nefarious intentions.
The set design, courtesy of Tom Cooper, is a delightful mix of old and new, with painted backdrops and an eclectic score that includes everything from 1970s disco to Tom Lehrer's iconic "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park." The musical numbers are catchy and well-executed, making it easy for audiences to get caught up in the infectious energy.
However, what truly sets Aladdie apart is its thought-provoking themes. Alassie (played by Ciara Flynn) serves as a brilliant foil to the titular character, offering a refreshingly different perspective on wealth and privilege. Flynn's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and expression, perfectly capturing the essence of her character's wit and determination.
Throughout the show, Boyle's script weaves together humor, heart, and social commentary with ease, making Aladdie a true panto for all ages. With its talented cast, clever writing, and engaging production design, this rags-to-riches tale is sure to leave audiences grinning from ear to ear – even if they're rolling their eyes at the absurdity of it all.
At its core, the show is about community engagement, as actors outnumber special effects, bringing an authentic feel to the fantastical world of Aladdin. However, it's not all fairy dust and magic – the baddie's reckless use of his three wishes makes for a hilarious and cringe-worthy spectacle.
Gavin Jon Wright shines as Abanazar, bringing boisterous energy to every performance. The actor effortlessly wins over the audience with their charm, making even the most over-the-top scenes enjoyable. Wright's portrayal is also commendable in showcasing the baddie's lack of self-awareness, making it hard not to love him despite his nefarious intentions.
The set design, courtesy of Tom Cooper, is a delightful mix of old and new, with painted backdrops and an eclectic score that includes everything from 1970s disco to Tom Lehrer's iconic "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park." The musical numbers are catchy and well-executed, making it easy for audiences to get caught up in the infectious energy.
However, what truly sets Aladdie apart is its thought-provoking themes. Alassie (played by Ciara Flynn) serves as a brilliant foil to the titular character, offering a refreshingly different perspective on wealth and privilege. Flynn's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and expression, perfectly capturing the essence of her character's wit and determination.
Throughout the show, Boyle's script weaves together humor, heart, and social commentary with ease, making Aladdie a true panto for all ages. With its talented cast, clever writing, and engaging production design, this rags-to-riches tale is sure to leave audiences grinning from ear to ear – even if they're rolling their eyes at the absurdity of it all.
its like the most fun i've had in ages! the cast is literally so talented, especially gavin jon wright as abanazar he's got this charm that makes you wanna love him even tho he's super evil lol. and the set design? mind blown. it's like a party on stage with all these sick 70s disco vibes going on 
. but what really gets me is how it tackles themes of wealth and privilege in a way thats not preachy or heavy-handed its just so cleverly woven into the script. i loved ciara flynn as alassie she's got this amazing timing that had me dying laughing 
. anyway, if u haven't seen aladdie panto yet u need to get on it ASAP trust me u won't regret it 
I'm also loving the set design - it's like they took all these different styles and mashed them together into something totally unique. But what I think really sets Aladdie apart is its message. It's not just a fun panto, it's a commentary on how we treat those who are already in power. Wright's performance as Abanazar is especially great because he gets to bring so much energy and charisma to the role, but at the same time, you can see him struggling with his own self-awareness. It's like Boyle is saying, "We all have our own demons, even if we don't realize it." 
the panto vibes were REAL but what really caught my attention was the way the show tackled class & privilege 
ciara flynn's character is literally the real hero of the show, her comedic timing is on point 
I mean, Gavin Jon Wright is hilarious as the baddie but also kinda sad because his character is just so extra 
and Ciara Flynn's reactions as Alassie are EVERYTHING 
Tom Cooper's set design is so on point too, it's like stepping into a time machine 
Can't wait to see what Fraser Boyle comes up with next! 
! I loved how they put a fresh spin on the classic tale, blending tradition with originality in such a way that's both nostalgic and innovative 
The slapstick humor had me giggling uncontrollably 
The mix of old and new was so cleverly done, and the musical numbers were catchy as hell 
I loved how the show tackled thought-provoking themes too, especially with Alassie's character serving as a great foil to Aladdin 
with that mix of old and new it's like a party in your eyes 
Boyle's script is genius 
, but what really got me was the way the writers balanced humor and heart. It's like they took this classic tale and gave it a much-needed refresh 
. And that score? Forget about it 
, I was singing along to Tom Lehrer in no time! 
. Ciara Flynn absolutely slayed her performance 
, and it's amazing how well Boyle's script captures the nuances of wealth and privilege. It's not all fun and games in this story (although, let's be real, there are some hilarious moments 
. And the music? Iconic disco vibes 
. I'm still thinking about Aladdie hours after the show ended 
, that's how good it was! 
ciara flynn as alassie is amazing, her comedic timing is on point 
. What really stood out to me though was how the whole production felt so community-driven – it's clear that the creators put a lot of heart into bringing this story to life 
, but overall Aladdie sounds like a total winner 
. And Ciara Flynn as Alassie? Iconic!