Blimey, what a year we had last year so what could be better than a chance to have some fun at Venue Cymru with the return of their Pantomime, Aladdin with their Panto hero John Evans.
John has returned to the theatre for the eleventh time at Venue Cymru in the role of Wishee Washee. John Evans first appeared in the Llandudno pantomime in 2006 and performed every year until 2016 before performing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for three years.
Last year John told us – “If I had Aladdin’s lamp, my first wish would definitely be to take a magic carpet ride straight to 2021! I have so many great memories of my 10 years in Llandudno, so when I was asked to come back for next years of production Aladdin I didn’t hesitate. I can promise you 2021’s panto will be jam-packed full of action, adventure and big big laughs. I am so excited, I cannot wait to see you all!“
So as you can expect the excitement was at boiling point as we headed to Venue Cymru for the first Panto in two years, it was a strange experience in the theatre, as we all have to adhere to the rules of facemasks wearing, but this certainly didn’t deter the people from taking some time out and enjoying the festive season as the theatre was almost sold out with families taking to the theatre to lift their spirits after what has been a terrible couple of years.
The last time that I saw John in the role of Wishee Washy must have been 5 years ago in Llandudno and I have to say that his return to the stage is certainly one that I’ve been eager for, John’s comic timing and stage presence is something that has been greatly missed over the years, his return has certainly brought the crowds in.
We all know the story of Aladdin and the magic lamp, but there is nothing better than spending the evening at a theatre to see such a fantastic performance from all the cast as well as hearing all the children, big and small, getting involved with the boos and shouts during a panto.
Joining John Evans for Aladdin are Eric Potts as Widow Twankey (Potts also directs the panto), James Lusted as the High Councillor, Jade Davies as Princess Jasmine, Danny Hendrix as Aladdin, Jason Marc- Williams as Abanazar (or is that have a banana), Connor McAllister as the Genie of the Lamp and Johanna Johnston as Scheherazade.
Eric Potts has not only directed a fantastic panto this year, but his performance as Window Twankey worked so well alongside Evans and Hendrix, with some great comic timing throughout the show and during last night’s performance some very funny cock-ups that just made things even more fun to watch. I’ve not laughed this much in almost two years so thanks for helping give my chuckle muscles the workout they needed.
The gags really flow through the show and James Lusted brings us a slightly series High Chancellor, but he still has the great comic timing that I’ve seen him with in the past, look out for some hysterical fart gags and belly laughs from Lusted during his time on the stage.
Now we all like a baddy for the Christmas panto and Jason Marc-Williams’ Abanazar really brings that love to hate character to life on the Venue Cymru stage for Alladin, the children (big and small) all booed him when he came on the stage and there were a few moments where he kept a straight face when most of us would have broken down in laughter.
Johanna Johnston was also fun to watch as Scheherazade with her wonderful rhymes back and forth with Abanazar and she has some great musical pieces that will have you singing along.
Jade Davies is wonderful as Princess Jasmine and her musical performance are lovely to listen to, one moment that sticks in my mind is Davies singing with Hendrix as Evans comes along and causes mayhem, it works so well for the comic timing and the brilliant performance from the three on the stage.
Now we can’t have a princess with Aladdin, Danny Hendrix was a joy to watch as Aladdin, he comes across to the audience as that boy next door that we all want to be friends with, and innocence that may get him into trouble and that’s the charm of Aladdin as he is used by the evil Abanazar for the magical lamp.
Ah, the magical lamp, what do we have with a magical lamp, well a genie of course and the shows genie is played by Connor McAllister and I have to say I wasn’t expecting the performance that McAllister brings us with the genie, I loved it, it’s comical and fun to watch throughout his time on the stage.
Aladdin brings smiles to many faces
I have to say that having a panto this year has been something that we have all needed, Venue Cymru has brought a smile to the many faces during the performance that I went to see last night, the cast is superb, the sets are pure panto, the music is wonderful to listen to and the return of John Evans to Venue Cymru has really made my year with such fantastic comedy moments that even now as I type these ar can feel that my cheek muscles have been used more than usual for all the laughing during the show.
Aladdin is on at Venue Cymru until the 2nd of January 2022 with tickets available from the Venue Cymru or the Box Office on 01492 872000.
A Welcome return to theatres for Panto Season
Event Title: Aladdin at Venue Cymru
Event Description: Panto season returns as Venue Cymru welcomes back John Evans and a superb cast to bring some much-needed joy to all ages.
Start date: December 11, 2021
End date: January 2, 2022
Location name: Venue Cymru
Address: The Promenade, Penrhyn Cres, Llandudno LL30 1BB
Performer: Pantomime Cast
Summary
A show that is packed with great comedy, music and a chance to forget the pandemic and just enjoy yourselves for a couple of hours.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
