The hugely popular Creation Theatre Company deliver a rather splendid Christmas present to the North Wall in Summertown (in between Woodstock and Banbury Roads). This is where you will find their new production of Aladdin and the Magical Lamp. It is a truly festive occasion, perfect for all the family.

This ever-popular tale from the Arabian Nights has been wonderfully realised by director Charlotte Conquest and designer Neil Irish. It is burstingly full of colour, fun, music, acrobatics, songs, dancing and lots of magic. But take note – this Aladdin is a Christmas show and not a pantomime – there are no Widow Twankies or Wish-Washies in this production, folks.

James Yeoburn is ‘Bad Lad Aladdin’ who is such an objectionable fellow that his behaviour gives his father a fatal heart attack. This shocking event changes him forever turning him into a noble adventurer determined to provide for his mother and also win the hand of the beautiful princess. Hats off to James Yeoburn for making this seismic character change seem very convincing. The evil sorcerer/fake uncle played by Timothy Allsop is quite the reverse – it’s a larger-than-life performance that hits the spot. Thanks to an excellent script by Lizzie Hopley the show is very funny throughout but for me the stand-out comedic performance was by Nicholas Osmond as both the Sultan and the Genie of the Lamp – though he is closely challenged by Chris Porter’s hilarious Vizier. Isla Carter as the straight-talking princess and Charlotte Thornton as the tea loving Mum were highly amusing also. It’s a funny, sweet, lovely sort of show really.

One really unusual element was the performance of Anna O’Loughlin who thrilled, delighted and charmed with her outstanding circus skills – it was a genius touch to have the Ring Genie tumbling and gambolling in an aerial acrobatics ring above the stage.

There are many song-and-dance moments throughout the show. Every character has his big number and they were all great. Composer/MD Jack Merivale and sound designer/ muscial arranger Matt Eaton created a wonderful score which really added to the whole production.

 

FIVE STARS

Until January 5 –
varied times
     Box office:
       01865 766266
       creationtheatre.
        co.uk