Aladdin at Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review
Written by Kirsty for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Is it really Christmas without watching a Panto? I would argue it is an integral Christmas tradition. If you are looking for the perfect Panto this year look no further than Evolution Panto production of Aladdin at the Sheffield Lyceum.
Aladdin, written and directed by Paul Hendy, is the perfect mixture of a classic panto with enough modern references to keep the smaller humans entertained and enough jokes that the adults will laugh at as they fly over the children's heads.
The cast led by the amazing Damian Williams, who is celebrating his 19th year performing in the Lyceum panto, was perfect. Williams as Dame Dolly had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand and the chemistry between him and the other cast members was obvious. Williams comic timing is a joy to watch and as a resident Sheffielder the jokes about the city were spot on and perfectly delivered. Williams also celebrates 1000 performances in the panto during the run which is something that deserves to be celebrated.
CBeebies star Evie Pickerill as The Spirit of the Ring was cute and funny, and it was clear that the children in the audience knew exactly who she was as the cheer she received every time she came on stage was huge. Elliot Broadfoot as Genie was a comic joy to watch and the pairing of Pickerill and Broadfoot in the later part of the show was just wonderful.
Joey Wilby and George Akid as Charlie and PC World were another great pairing, and add in Williams it was the perfect trio and there were tears of laughter running down my face.
Sario Solomon was perfectly charming and amiable as Aladdin, with vocals to match, but it did feel at times that Aladdin was watching a lot of the fun from the sidelines rather than joining in. Solomon’s gravity defying number in Act 2 had the audience gasping with delight complete with special effects that would not have looked out of place in a West End production. Lauren Chia as Princess Jasmine was amazing and I was reminded of what vocal prowess she possesses. Her chemistry with Solomon felt natural, and her Princess Jasmine knew her own mind which is the perfect message to share with younger audience members.
Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton as Ivan Tochacha was the perfect panto villain. He was a charming villain and it really felt like Clifton was really willing to get into the true spirit of the show especially when he was the but of many of the jokes. His big number in Act 2 showed that he can rock out with the best of them, but it also gave him the opportunity to show off his dance moves which was a real highlight of the show.
There were a couple of scenes that felt they could have tightened up and shortened slightly, however all in all this was the perfect Panto and I can’t wait for Cinderella next year.
Plays until Sunday 4th January 2026.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
