Pantomime isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ve never understood why anyone would to knock it.
It’s an art form in its own right – everyone knows what to expect from watching one, with audience interaction, a few topical gags, at least one silly character, songs, dancing, a twist on a well-known story, men dressed as women, women dressed as men, slapstick humour and a few gags for the adults that sail over the children’s heads.
This year’s pantomime at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre is Aladdin, and it ticks virtually all of those boxes.
The subversion of expectations is very much there. In an age when a woman can be Doctor Who, why can’t a woman play the part of the panto dame? For years, the larger than life part of any panto has become the dame, traditionally played by a man in very bad drag – drag so bad, it almost makes Mrs Brown look convincing. But not quite. It’s a tradition dating back to the earliest days of British theatre. And at the King’s, it’s out the window this year.
Scottish treasure Elaine C Smith plays Widow Twankey, doing it with complete style and verve, and makes the most of a script which allows her to shine. Her trademark Glesga humour is very much there, with a host of fine gags that will be appreciated by anyone who knows the west of Scotland.
Paul James Corrigan and Johnny Mac (Photo: Richard Campbell)
Accompanying her as the second headliner is Johnny Mac as the lovable eejit Wishee Washee. You may not recognise his name, but this is a star of the Scottish panto scene.
I saw him a few years ago in Treasure Island at another Glasgow theatre, and he was without a doubt the stand-out performer who everyone remembered. He’s absolutely on a level the children will love, especially with his catchphrase of ‘Hiya, pals!’, which they all responded to.
He has a natural knack for physical comedy, especially during one hilarious number in which you expect him to be constantly whacked with a frying pan. His timing is immaculate.
But where he really excelled is in his wordplay – he’s given so many lines to get his teeth around, and he manages them all with ease. I always thought I was quite competent with tongue-twisters, but he’s brilliant at them. And when he sums up the events of panto, at speed, he never once tripped over this words. This is a comedy performer at ease with his craft.
Former River City actor Paul-James Corrigan amuses as the Imperial Palace Guard, especially with his interesting use of voice, which brought many a chuckle. He’s very much playing it for laughs, and succeeds, with ease.
A mention too for George Drennan, who positively relishes playing the villain of the piece, Abanazer. He oozes evil and soaks up the boos from the audience (“I’ve heard you like the boos [booze] in Glasgow!”). Everything you want a baddie to be.
George Drennan, Johnny Mac and Elaine C Smith (Photo: Richard Campbell)
Unlike other productions of Aladdin I’ve seen, the titular character was played by a male actor (subverting expectations again), Lee Dillon-Stewart. He performs well, with Frances Mayli McCann as Princess Jasmine, but the script is very much centred on Widow Twanky and Wishee Washee, and isn’t really given much chance to shine.
He does have the most memorable scene of the first half as he flies on a magic carpet, coming off the stage and out, over the audience, including a full upside down spin. It’s a fantastic spectacle and I *think* I’ve been able to work out how it was done… but I’m not entirely sure.
It’s a fantastic little bit of Christmas magic that will stay with you long after the final curtain.
Click HERE for ticket details.
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