The cast of Attic Theatre’s Aladdin bringing festive energy to the Tivoli Theatre stage. Image by Euan Fraser.
When I walked into the auditorium of The Tivoli last weekend, the atmosphere hit me like a warm, familiar hug. The soft chitter-chatter of excited grandparents and children, the rustle of sweetie wrappers and the gentle hum of anticipation instantly transported me back to the magic of childhood. The theatre was full! Families squeezed into every seat, merch swinging, band members decked out in festive attire and a collective buzz filled the air.
I’m now in my mid-30s and, to be honest, I’ve become a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas. My decorations only go up in mid-December (if at all), I think turkey with all the trimmings is overrated and I don’t own a single Christmas jumper - don’t hate me!
But there’s one festive tradition I’ve never abandoned: the pantomime. It’s been a fundamental part of my family’s festive ritual since I was in nappies and this year, with Attic’s take on Aladdin was stand out.
From the moment the band struck the first chord, the show had its hooks in me. There was even a secret wee bit of fun tucked into the programme before the curtain even rose. And when the cast danced and sang through the opening number, the energy was infectious. It felt festive, it felt local and it felt like a community coming together to celebrate, just as panto should.
What stood out most was the feeling that this wasn’t just a show, it was a celebration. Families gathered, children wide-eyed and dangling sweets, grandparents dancing in their seats, strangers exchanging smiles. The children around me were in awe, screeching with delight, while proud parents and grandparents beamed at their young ones on stage. The warmth, the laughter, the collective sense of Christmas coming early made the whole show joyous. And knowing that all proceeds go to local charities (this year to the Denis Law Legacy Trust) made it feel even more meaningful.
A standout moment from Ian the Seagull in Attic Theatre’s Aladdin. Image by Euan Fraser.
This is now the second Attic Theatre performance I’ve been to (I saw their production of Our House in July) and it really is a phenomenal am dram production company!
As always, the Attic Theatre production team created something magical. Special recognition must be given to the team behind this year’s show: Scott Jamieson, Director, Jenny Anderson, Assistant Director, Criag McDermott, Musical Director, Sarah MacNay, Choreographer and Tom Forbes, Producer. Together, they delivered a standout community pantomime and they deserve enormous credit, along with everyone else working tirelessly behind the scenes, for bringing this joyful production to life.
Aladdin, affectionately known as “Laddie” and played by Zara Edwards, delivered outstanding solo performances and brought a confident, influencer-like stage presence (there’s a hint there!), while still maintaining the character’s humility and “pure of heart” nature. It was a portrayal that stayed true to the Aladdin we all know and love, striking a balance between charm, sincerity and star quality.
In classic pantoland-style, Mike Taylor-Clarke fully embodied the role of Dame as Widow Twanky, washer women of Aberdonniedee, complimented fantastically by Hannah Smith as Whishy Washy. This iconic duo has been preforming side by side in the Attic Theatre panto for 10 years and you can tell. Their seasoned performances come from those who have mastered the art of panto – getting the audience jived up, involved and fully immersed.
Ian the Seagull, played phenomenally with a broad Doric twang by Irene Johnson, was one of the highlights of the show for me. The voice of Johnson could transcend West End stages. Not many people in Aberdeen can say they like seagulls but this is one I could get behind (just not under!).
A standout moment showcasing Laddie’s influencer energy in Aladdin. Image by Euan Fraser.
17 year old Rachel Jones played Jasmin with youthful grace and captured the light-hearted spirit of the (often) damsel-in-distress. A change from the usual onslaught of wanting to marry Prince Charming, this ‘damsel’ wanted more from life and dreamed of carving a political career path for herself. And I, for one, am here for it.
This year’s boo-able baddie was Abanazmar, played once again by Mathew Walker in his fourth reprisal as Attic Theatre’s panto villain. Boooo, hissssss I hear you all shout. Oh, no… That’s just me! Matthew Walker played the role exactly how a panto villain should be. Full of angry roasts, jibes at the audience, ‘oh no you don’ts’ and fiendish relish. He started to scare me at one point.
The Genie takes an unexpected and delightful turn as Jeanie, brought vividly to life by Michelle Bruce. Bruce delivers an effortlessly assured performance, embodying the lovable, cookie, big-bottomed Doric character with real charm and authenticity; a portrayal so engaging it’s worth returning just to watch her again.
Her on-stage partnership with Ringa, played by Robyn Bowie, is perfectly pitched. Bowie’s comedic timing is spot-on, with jokes that land equally well for children and adults. The clever puns and playful innuendos had the older members of the audience roaring with laughter, cementing the pair as yet another iconic duo to grace the Tivoli stage in this production.
The character of Provost Torry was comically played by Calum Ross. Ross’ performance had me giggling from the moment he walked onto the stage. His hilarious accent to his swaying under hypnosis made the character irresistibly endearing; a thoroughly goofy and memorable performance that delighted throughout.
Panto spirit in full swing during Attic Theatre’s Aladdin. Image by Euan Fraser.
A special mention must go to Shug the Rug! Who knew a carpet could be so cute!? From the ensemble to the band, Aladdin to Abanazmar, the show oozed panto deliciousness and is a must in the Aberdeen Christmas theatre scene.
Attic Theatre reminded me why panto matters: its ability to bring families together, to bring laughter, surprise and joy, and to remind us that sometimes, being a bit silly and a bit festive is exactly what we need. I found myself hissing, booing and cheering throughout the whole show, as only one can (and should) do at the panto! I was grinning from ear to ear from start to finish and the show really got me in the mood for Christmas… I may even invest in a festive jumper this year!
If you’ve never been, or if you have but it’s been a while, don’t miss this year’s performance. It’s magic, merriment and community all wrapped up under one stage roof.
Take a magic carpet ride to see Aladdin by Attic Theatre. Running until December 21 at The Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen. Find more information and tickets here.
Review by Kate Kenyon