Panto Adds New Dimension To Traditional Fun
For Family
South Wales Evening Post
December 19, 2011
Jimmy Osmond (centre) and the rest of this cast of Aladdin this year’s pantomime at the Grand Theatre
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But even the adults would have been reluctant to take the glasses off after Swansea Grand Theatre's 2011 panto Aladdin taught the cinema a few tricks.
The show's 3D special effects were simply jaw-droppingly good, and better than anything you'll see in the cinema.
But they weren't the only great thing about Aladdin — on no, they most definitely weren't.
Panto is a firmly rooted Christmas tradition in Swansea with thousands heading to see it every year.
This year Qdos Entertainment served up Jimmy Osmond as Wishee Washee and he earned himself a warm welcome from the audience with his infectious charisma, songs, dance and a good dose of cheeky humour.
Swansea's own Zoe George as Princess Jasmine showed off a great voice and worked very well with the equally talented Liam Doyle as Aladdin.
Gavin Woods had the bad guy Abanazar perfected, milking every last boo, while David Lawrence provided many laughs as the Emperor.
But no panto would be complete without a dame, and Kevin Johns's Widow Twankey earned the biggest applause of all. From the off he had the audience laughing with his extravagant collection of outfits — you'll never look at Lady Gaga the same way again.
In fact, the costumes across the board were quite stunning, especially those worn by the Emperor of China who almost seemed to fill up most of the stage with some of his outfits.
There was the usual audience participation as well as a variety of clever pyrotechnics.
But some of the best moments came when we were asked to put on our supplied 3D glasses.
It was hard not to be a little sceptical whether the 3D special effects on offer at the panto could come anywhere close to those seen in the Hollywood blockbusters at the cinema.
But be prepared to be amazed as the effects were eye-poppingly effective with spiders and bats seemingly hovering within your reach.
In fact, Aladdin offers the best 3D fun you'll have, either side of Christmas, and with or without the glasses.
Aladdin continues at Swansea Grand Theatre until Sunday, January 15.
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